Opioids Flashcards
Opiate
drug derived from opium, mixture of compounds from poppy, Papaver somniferum
Opioid
drug not derived from opium but interactions with opioid R
o Prototypical analgesics, antitussives, antidiarrheal drug class
Opioid R system/opiod R effects identified in:
ascarids, scallops, fish, reptiles, birds, mammals
Variants of MOR
o Alternative splicing may produce differences in structure, function of R despite R produced from same gene
o Single nucleotide polymorphism identified in dogs may also increase diversity in R structure, function –> altered drug effects
SNP identified with high prevalence in dogs experienced dysphoria with opioid admin
Different sensitivities to opioids may be due in part to individual differences in types of MOR subtypes
Nociception/ orphanin FQ receptor
Often called N/OFQ [NOP] receptor
Significant homology to other ORs
Naloxone hydrochloride does not have significant antagonistic action at R
* N/OFQ[NOP] R investigated, but details of interactions of endogenous ligand with R not well described
Antagonists of N/OFQ [NOP] produce analgesia
* May be target for future development of analgesics, analgesic adjuncts
MOR endogenous ligand
Beta-Endorphin
DOR endogenous ligand
Dynorphin A
KOR Endogenous Ligands
leucine, methionine-enkephalin
Full Agonist
dose-dependent increase in effect until maximal stimulation of R achieved
Y axis of dose response curve
Partial Agonist
dose-dependent increase in effect, plateaus at maximum effect less than maximum effect of full agonist
Can act as antagonist by partially reversing effects of full agonist
May be preferred over full antagonist if some analgesia needed
Antagonist
binds to R with high affinity, produces no effect, inhibits binding of agonists (both endogenous, exogenous) DT greater R affinity of antagonist
Also displaces previously bound agonists
Most opioid R antagonists considered competitive
* Lack of intrinsic activity, ability of agonists to overcome effect to produce maximal effect
* Shifts dose-response curve right
Potency
How much drug required for 50% Emax? (x axis on dose response curve)
Response = analgesia measured as change in latency of withdrawal or increased threshold to noxious stimulus
Fentanyl > morphine: dose of fentanyl (0.01mg/kg) needed to produce equivalent analgesia response to morphine (1mg/kg) is lower
Location of OR in Higher Centers
o Brain, brainstem: neurons, microglia, astrocytes
Periaqueductal grey
Locus coeruleus
Rostral ventral medulla
CRTZ/vomiting center
Location of OR in SC
o SC: lamina II of DH (substania gelatinosa); Adelta, C fibers synapse with projection neurons
Neurons, microglia
Conflicting evidence about astrocytes
Other Sites of ORs
o GIT
o Synovium
o UT
o Leukocytes
Immune cells can actually synthesize opioid peptides
o Uterus
o Periphery: neuronal, non-neuronal cells immune cells, periphery sensory neurons (A and C fibers)
o Others
Opioid R MOA
GPCR via Gi/o
Inhibition of AC
Decreased formation of cAMP
Inhibition of Ca2+ channels in presynaptic neurons resulting in decreased release of excitatory neurotransmitters (glutamate and substance P)
Enhanced outflow of K from postsynaptic neurons - increased activation thresholds, hyper polarization of nociceptive neurons/nociceptors
Functions Mediated by MOR
-Analgesia (+KOR, DOR)
-Antidiuresis
-Decreased biliary secretions, GI motility (+KOR), GI secretions (+KOR)
-Decreased urine voiding reflex
-Emesis/antiemesis (drug specific)
-Euphoria
-Immunomodulation (+DOR)
-Increased appetite (+KOR, DOR)
-Decreased uterine contraction
-Miosis/mydriasis (species specific) (+KOR)
-Resp Depresson
-Sedation (+KOR)
Functions Mediated by KOR
–Analgesia (+MOR, DOR)
–Decreased GI motility, GI secretions (+MOR)
–Diuresis via inhibition of ADH release
–Increased appetite (+DOR, MOR)
–Miosis, mydriasis (species specific) (+MOR)
–Sedation (+MOR)
Functions Mediated by DOR
–Analgesia (+MOR, KOR)
–Immunomodulation (+MOR)
–Increased appetite (MOR, KOR)
Absorption of Opioids
Lipophilic Compounds - typically well absorbed SC, IM; rapid absorption
Unless SR formulas used, prolonged effect vs IV not typically expected from IM or SC admin
Oral Absorption
PO: usually substantial first-pass metabolism so low PO bioavailability, may be ineffective when admin PO at standard doses
Exception: drugs that can produce active metabolites, eg codeine in humans
First Pass Metabolism
Drugs absorbed from GIT, usually following PO admin
Drugs pass through mucosa –> intestinal metabolizing enzymes (both Phase I metabolic reactions, Phase II conjugation reactions) biotransformation drug before enters intestinal capillary system
If enters intestinal capillaries intact, enters portal vein/liver site of metabolism
Any drug that makes it through the liver intact can enter systemic circulation, be distributed to elicit effect
* Despite large fraction of opioid absorbed, relatively small amt enters systemic circulation in active form where interactions with R elicit effect
Benefit of Transdermal Administration
–Bypasses first-pass metabolism
–Stratum corneum presents substantial barrier to drug absorption for some drugs
–Ex: Zobrium for cats, fentanyl patches/transdermal solution dogs
Transmucosal Opioids
bypasses first-pass metabolism
Mucosa: thinner, more vascular than stratum corneum –> less of a barrier
Buprenorphine = lipophilic, only effective if not swallowed
* Viable route of admin in cats but still somewhat variable due to conditions (eg pH) that can alter chemical properties
Absorption of TM buprenorphine in dogs small: may not be practical route of delivery DT volume, cost limitations
Distribution of Opioids
- Lipophilic compounds –> diffuse throughout body, easily cross blood-brain barrier
-Large Vd
-Primary effect site = CNS for analgesia, antitussive effects, sedation
-Drug must penetrate CNS (ie cross BBB) for effects
Role of P-glycoprotein efflux pump
-Active transporter
-Efflux absorbed drug from CNS back to vasculature, causes limitation of central effects
Loperamide
Absorbed, rapidly in the brain, but pumped back out as a result of P-glycoprotein efflux pumps, most effects non central now (Anti-diarrheal)
MDR1
- Deficient in functional P-glycoprotein efflux pump
- Significant central effects following loperamide administration including heavy sedation –> reversible by naloxone
- In people, rodents: morph, methad, fenta, bup, oxycod have substrate for P-glycoprotein
- When using known MDR1 substrates in heterozygote/homozygote MDR1 gene mutation carriers, increased duration/intensity of effect may be recognized
Regional Blood Flow of Tissues, Organs and Opioid Uptake
- Tissues receive greatest blood flow per tissue mass, equilibrium, btw plasma concentrations and tissue concentrations occurs most rapidly
o Assuming drug = lipophilic, rapidly crosses tissue barriers
IV bolus admin results in highest plasma concentrations at end of bolus dose –> plasma concentrations decrease over time DT drug metabolism, excretion, movement of drug from plasma into tissues (redistribution into SkM, adipose tissue)
Why is redistribution important?
Loss of effect DT drug movement out of CNS more rapidly than that predicted by elimination half life
May play greater role than metabolism in termination of CNS effect for some anesthetic vs analgesia drugs
Lipophilicity: morphine vs fentanyl
–Morphine: less lipid soluble vs fentanyl
–Slow distribution into, out of CNS –> beneficial for epidural admin where have longer duration at spinal OR
Metabolism
extensive metabolism in mammalian species
o Phase I +/- Phase II metabolism depending on specific drugs, species
Most species metabolize morphine by Phase II glucuronide conjugation to morphine-3-glucoronide
* Hepatic 60%, renal 40%
* Approx 10% metabolized to morphine-6-glucoronide, which is more potent than morphine
Opioid Metabolism in Cats
relatively deficient in glucuronide action, eliminate via sulfate conjugation
Remifentanil metabolism
hydrolyzed by plasma esterases, independent of hepatic metabolism
Virtually no context sensitive half life
Morphine Metabolism
-Most species: hepatic metabolism - phase II glucuronide conjugation to morphine-3-glucoronide (M3G)
-Hepatic 60%, renal 40%
-10% metabolized to M6G - more potent than morphine
Cats and Morphine Metabolism
relatively deficient in glucuronide action, eliminate via sulfate conjugation
Opioid Metabolites
generally less potent or complete loss of activity vs parent drug
Morphine glucuronide listed as active metabolite but must be given intracerebroventricular to elicit effect
Not lipophilic so cannot penetrate CNS on own
Chloramphenicol..?
significantly decrease metabolism of methadone in dogs
Elimination of Opioids
o Typically metabolized prior to elimination in mammals
o +/- excretion of parent drug in urine, feces
o Opioid metabolites usually more water soluble, often eliminated in urine –> can be eliminated in feces by biliary secretion as well
Tolerance
loss of in vivo potency over time, shift of dose-response curve right
Higher doses of opioids may be needed IOT achieve similar effect
Not as well recognized in vet med vs human med
Know that tolerance, withdrawal observed in animals
Drug Dependence in Dogs
dogs administered MOR agonists for >7d could display signs of opioid withdrawal if given drug can reverse MO effects eg partial MOR agonist, MOR antagonist/KOR agonist, MOR antagonist
Effect of Pain on Opioid Response
o Presence of pain may blunt some of undesired effects
Ex: vomiting, dysphoria less common in painful dogs following morphine admin
Ex: sedation/euphoria observed in painful cats following morphine, dysphoria rarely observed
General MOA
decrease release of excitatory NT, hypopolarize nociceptors –> decreased transmission within SC
Supraspinal Analgesia
–Mediated by PAG
–Binding of opioid agonists to R within PAG results in inhibition of GABA interneurons leading to activation of medullary pathways that selectively inhibit dorsal horn nociceptive neurons
Spinal Analgesia
mediated by inhibition of presynaptic NT release, postsynaptic hyperpolarization of neuronal membranes –> decreased excitability
Bulbospinal Pathways
Results in release of NE, serotonin in DH of SC
Peripheral Analgesia (eg IA admin)
localized peripheral opioid R
o Reversible by naloxone
o Peripheral opioid R activated, upregulated by trauma/inflammation
o Can be targeted by local admin of opioids to produce analgesic effect
o IA opioids reduce nerve terminal excitability of primary afferents with enhanced spontaneous activity
Analgesic Effects of Systemic Opioids
more effective at decreasing pain transmitted by C-fibers than A-delta fibers
o Reason why analgesic doses of opioids alone may not produce effective analgesia for surgical stimulation
Higher IV doses, epidural administration (saturate spinal opioid R at site of administration) result in effects on both C fiber and A-delta fiber nociceptors
Epidural Opioids
will not prevent transmission of all tactile and nociceptive input (this can be done with local) blunted, not blocked
Sedation, Excitation Assoc with Opioids
–Cat, horse: more likely to experience excitation than other species
–Breed can also influence response eg Huskies, vocalizing
–Rapid IV administration produces high concentrations initially, even at clinically appropriate doses –> can produce transient excitement in any species
Cats vs Dogs
Smaller volume of distribution of opioids
Opioid Induced Neuroexcitation in horses
o 0.6-0.66mg/kg IV (2.5x recommended dose) = excitement
o Increased locomotor activity = another manifestation of opioid-induced neuroexcitation in horses
Pacing, weaving patterns in horses admin opioids
Agonists-antagonists also produce increased locomotor activity, often accompanied by ataxia
Possible MOA of Increased Locomotor Activity
increased dopamine activity
* Drugs that decrease dopamine release show some efficacy at reducing step counts
* Admin of specific DA1, DA2 R antag not successful in reducing activity
Opioid Induced Resp Depression
increased PaCO2, primarily mediated by MOR
Impt to distinguish btw drop in resp rate (bpm) vs true respiratory depression (decreased alveolar minute ventilation)
RR can be depressed but not result in depression if VT increases to maintain alveolar minute ventilation
Less of risk vs humans
Wooden Chest Syndrome
Increased chest wall rigidity reported in human pediatric and adult patients admin large doses of mu agonists
Not common in veterinary medicine, anecdotally reported in dogs
MOA Wooden Chest Syndrome
Experimentally, supratherapeutic doses of fentanyl (20-60mcg/kg IV) decrease inspiratory and increase/prolong expiratory neuron activity (tonic discharges) –> increased excitatory drive to IC neurons and abdominal motor neurons that control chest wall compliance
* Increase in IC, abdominal m tension –>increase in chest wall rigidity, decreased chest wall compliance
* Similar effects produced on pharyngeal constrictor, motor neurons –> tonic vocal fold closure, pharyngeal obstruction of airflow –> increases airflow resistance, resting abdominal wall tension
Placental/Fetal Effects
–Readily cross placenta
–Can depress fetus
Antitussive Effects
–Direct effect at cough center in medulla oblongata by actions at both MOR, KOR
–Independent of resp effects
–VAA paper: dose of fentanyl just as efficacious as suppressing cough for ETT as IV lidocaine
CV Effects
–Bradycardia in dogs: centrally mediated enhanced PSNS activity in neurons innervating heart
–CO usually maintained by increases stroke volume, typically results in beneficial or protective effect on heart DT less work and oxygen consumption
–Awake horses, cats: no change or HR increases IRT to opioids
–Under GA: decreased in cats, no change in horses
Histamine Release with Morphine
Circulating histamine levels can increase 800-fold following 3mg/kg morphine IV
Mast cell degranulation, histamine release with associated hemodynamic and anaphylactic responses (hypotension, tachycardia, bronchospasm) dependent on opioid administered, dose, ROA
* Rapid IV injection being most provocative method for triggering histamine release
Clinically relevant doses of morphine (<0.5mg/kg IV) in healthy dogs usually produce no detrimental effect on MAP IV SLOWLY
Caution or avoid in dogs with MCT
Emetic Effects
o Produce emetic or antiemetic effects depending on opioid, dose, ROA
o Emetic effects
Stimulation of dopamine R in CRTZ
Mediated by DOR effects –> MOR, KOR appear to be anti-emetic
Maropitant and vomiting
o Maropitant (NK1 R antagonist) admin 1h prior to opioid admin can reduce incidence of emesis, retching, CS of nausea in dogs by preventing binding of substance P to NK1 R in emetic center of brain
ACP and vomiting
Prior admin ACP significantly reduces likelihood of opioid-induced emesis in dogs
More Lipid Soluble Opioids and Vomiting
Fentanyl, butorphanol, methadone: tend to produce more prominent antiemetic effect DT faster penetration into CNS and inhibition of emetic center
IV: inhibitory effects first
IM: stimulatory effects first, then inhibitory
Low vs High Doses Morphine and Vomiting
o Low doses of morphine tend to produce emetic effect through stimulation of dopamine R in CRTZ
Higher doses: antiemetic effect (subsequent antiemetic effect = stronger)
Pupil Constriction MOA
increased outflow in parasympathetic neurons leaving Edinger-Westphal nucleus
Parasympathetic neurons innervate sphincter pupillae (constrictor) m, leading to ctx of iris