Opioids Flashcards
What are opioids?
Opioids are a class of drugs that act on the opioid receptors in the central nervous system to relieve pain and produce other effects.
What are the therapeutic uses of opioids?
Opioids are used for the management of acute and chronic pain, as well as for anesthesia during surgical procedures. They are also used to treat severe cough and diarrhea.
Give examples of commonly used opioids.
Examples of commonly used opioids include morphine, codeine, oxycodone, hydrocodone, and fentanyl.
What is the mechanism of action of opioids?
Opioids exert their effects by binding to opioid receptors in the central nervous system, leading to the modulation of pain perception, respiratory depression, and other pharmacological effects.
What are the adverse effects associated with opioid use?
Adverse effects of opioids include constipation, sedation, respiratory depression, nausea, vomiting, and the potential for dependence and addiction.
How do you manage opioid-related side effects?
Opioid-related side effects can be managed by using adjunctive medications, such as laxatives for constipation, antiemetics for nausea and vomiting, and naloxone for opioid overdose.
What is opioid tolerance?
Opioid tolerance refers to a reduced analgesic effect of opioids over time, requiring higher doses to achieve the same pain relief.
What is naloxone used for?
Naloxone is an opioid antagonist used to reverse opioid overdose by competitively binding to opioid receptors and displacing opioids.
What are the potential drug interactions involving opioids?
Opioids can interact with other central nervous system depressants, such as benzodiazepines, increasing the risk of respiratory depression and sedation.
