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Pharmacology > Opioids > Flashcards

Opioids Flashcards

1
Q

Effects of opioid peptides can be antagonized by __

A

naloxone

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2
Q

Opioid receptors are ____ and the primary action is __ NT release and neuronal excitability

A

Gi/o linked

decrease

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3
Q

Mu (morphine) receptors are ____ anaglesia where as kappa receptors are ___ analgesia

A

spinal/supraspinal

spinal

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4
Q

SE of Mu receptors

A
  1. Respiratory depression
  2. Euphoria
  3. Decreased GI motility
  4. Miosis
  5. PHYSICAL dependence
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5
Q

SE of kappa (dynorphin) receptors

A
  1. Dysphoria
  2. Miosis
  3. Sedation
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6
Q

opioids elicit analgesia effects by 2 ways:

A
  1. elevation of pain threshold by activation of brain stem descending inhibitory CNS pathways in Periaqueductal gray
  2. Change in subjective response to pain in limbic system via inducement of tranquility, euphoria
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7
Q

Opioids can elevate pain threshold by activation of brain stem descending inhibitory CNS pathways in Periaqueductal gray to:

A
  1. presynaptically decrease release of substance P and glutamate (via decrease in Ca2+ influx)
  2. Postsynaptially decrease response of pain transmission neuron
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8
Q

Compare and contrast Opioids vs non-opioid analgesia

A
  1. Op. are more efficacious but more dangerous (resp. depresion)
  2. Op. are dose dependent whereas NSAIDS have ceiling effect
  3. analgesia w/o loss of consciousness as seen with general anesthetics
  4. No antipyretic or anti-inflammatory effects
  5. Greater potential for tolerance and dependence
  6. dull, persistent tonic pain [C fibers] relieved better than sharp superficial pain [Adelta] - both
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9
Q

Uses of opioids

A
  1. Anaglesics
  2. Anti-diarrheal
  3. Cough suppressant (dextromethorphan)
  4. MI (morphine-fentanyl)
  5. dyspnea from pulmonary edema associated w/ cardiac dysfunction
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10
Q

Why is morphine good for MIs

A
  1. decrease preload
  2. decrease inotropy
  3. Decrease chronotropy
  4. reduce myocardial oxygen consumption
  5. Relieves anxiety via limbic system
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11
Q

SE of opioids in short term use

A
  1. Constipation
  2. N/V
  3. Sedation
  4. Dizziness
  5. Itching
  6. Dry mouth
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12
Q

__ and __ is NOT seen with therapeutic doses of nonopioid analgesics

A

Sedation and CNS depression

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13
Q

Which category of OTC products contains agents that are most likely to result in additive CNS depression if given to a patient who has been prescribed opioid analgesics for pain?
A.  Analgesics (e.g., ibuprofen)
B.  Antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine)
C.  Laxatives (e.g., psyllium seed)
D. H2 Blockers (e.g., ranitidine)
E. Antidiarrheal agents (e.g., loperamide)

A

B.  Antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine)

1st generation**

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14
Q

Constipation w/ opioids is due to:

A
  1. direct– inhibit ENS fxn at myenteric plexus

2. indirect– decrease ACh release (anticholinergic)

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15
Q

How do you manage constipation caused by opioids

A
  1. prophylaxis laxative (stimulant (senna) + stool softner (docusate))
  2. PAMORAs (peripherally acting u-opioid receptor antagonist)- Naloxegol for failed lax. on opioids for chronic pain

*no studies have shown superiority of one laxative over another

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16
Q

Describe the different OTC laxatives

A
  1. Stimulants (bisacodyl-senna)- often 1st line
  2. Osmotic (Miralax- sorbitol- PEG)
  3. Bulk-forming (psyllium)
  4. Stool softeners/wetting agents (docusate)- ineffective as monotherapy
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17
Q 
Jackson is a 64-year-old male who has been treated for severe pain following a car accident in which he sustained a broken leg and broken arm. He has been converted to oral morphine in anticipation of his discharge. What other medication should he receive with his morphine upon discharge? 
A.  Diphenhydramine 
B.  Methylphenidate 
C.  Docusate sodium with senna 
D.  Docusate sodium 
E.  Polyethylene glycol 
F.   Prednisone
A

C.  Docusate sodium with senna (stimulant + stool softener)

E.  Polyethylene glycol (osmotic)

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18
Q

Adverse Reactions of Opioids

A
  1. Constipation
  2. Respiratory depression
  3. Sedation
  4. N/V
  5. Histamine release (itching)
  6. Flushing
  7. Urinary retention
  8. tolerance-dependence
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19
Q

Respiratory depression w/ opioids is the most serious acute SE but rarely a problem if therapy follows dosing guidelines. The primary action is ____ that leads to fall in RR

A

decrease in sensitivity of respiratory centers to CO2

**prominent sedation generally PRECEDES significant depression

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20
Q

What is the classic triad of sx with opioid overdose?

A
  1. Coma
  2. pinpoint pupils
  3. respiratory depression
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21
Q

How do you tx resp. depression w/ opioids?

A
  1. Naloxone- reserved for symptomatic resp. depression or progressive obtundation (NOT if somnolent but easily arousable)
    * (DOA is shorter than agonists)
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22
Q 
Respiration is depressed by an analgesic dose of:
A.  Morphine 
B.  Naltrexone 
C.  Buprenorphine 
D.  Naproxen 
E.  Hydrocodone 
F.   Methadone 
G.  Meperidine 
H.  Tramadol
A 
A.  Morphine 
C.  Buprenorphine (partial agonist)
E.  Hydrocodone 
F.   Methadone 
G.  Meperidine 
H.  Tramadol (mixed action opioid)
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23
Q

Cause of N/V w/ opioids

A

Direct stimulaiton of the CTZ in medulla

*MC in ambulatory pts so may have vestibular component

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24
Q

Tx of N/V w/ opioids

A
  • Antagonist of receptors in the periphery and at the CTZ
    1. Antihistamine: if N related to ambulation (Diphenhydramine-meclizine)
    2. D2 antagonists (1st line- inexpensive): Prochlorperazine, haloperidol
    3. 5HT3 antagonists: Ondansteron more expensive)
    4. Decrease movement
    5. take w/ food and water
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25
Q

Sx of pseudo-allergy w/ opioids

A
  1. Itching
  2. Urticaria
  3. Flushing/local vasodilation
  4. Mild hypotension
  5. Can exacerbate asthma (H-induced bronchospasm)

*due to opioid induced release of HISTAMINE from mast cells NOT IgE mediated anaphylaxis

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26
Q

Tx of pseudo-allergy w/ opioids

A
  1. Antihistamines
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27
Q

Tx of true allergy w/ opioids

A
  1. Can try switching to different structural class (semisynthetic to synthetic)–> evidence lacking that switching reduces cross-sensitivity
    • pretx w/ antihistamine and GC
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28
Q

Tx of opioid OD

A
  1. airway
  2. Ventilate
  3. Naloxone (see increase in RR in 1-2 min., may precipitate W/D in addicts that are dependent)
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29
Q

Describe the difference btwn Tolerance, Dependence and Withdrawal

A

Tolerance: need an increase dose to achieve the same effect (>2-3 weeks)

Dependence: chronic dosing alters physiological state so continued administration is required to prevent WD syndrome

Withdrawal: stop abruptly get WD sx

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30
Q

Tolerance less complete to ___ and __ so increasing analgesic dose –> worsens of these SE
-Tolerance is lost in ___ following discontinuation

A

constipation (and miosis)

1-2 weeks

**No matter how much tolerance develops - a lethal dose will always exist!!

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31
Q

A patient who develops tolerance to a fixed dose of morphine:
A.  Will be equally tolerant to all effects of that dose of morphine
B.  Probably will be tolerant to the analgesic effect of methadone
C.  Probably will be tolerant to the analgesic effect of hydrocodone
D.  Often can be relieved of pain if the dose of morphine is increased
E.  Will remain tolerant to that dose of morphine for greater than 3 months

A

B.  Probably will be tolerant to the analgesic effect of methadone
C.  Probably will be tolerant to the analgesic effect of hydrocodone
D.  Often can be relieved of pain if the dose of morphine is increased

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32
Q

How do you tx tolerance/dependence

A

Taper discontinuation

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33
Q

Sx of Opioid withdrawal

A
  • reverse of opioid agonist action
    1. Mydriasis
    2. anorexia
    3. insomnia
    4. yawning
    5. sneezing
    6. diarrhea
    7. lacrimation
    8. increase HR
    9. increase BP
    10. sensitivity to CO2
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34
Q

severity of WD sx depends on

A

half life

shorter half-life = more severe sx

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35
Q

Tx of opioid WD

A
  1. tapering doses
  2. Methadone
  3. Clonidine (suppress SNS overactivity)

**rarely life-threatening (resolves 7-10 days), but general CNS depressants (ethanol, benzodiazepines, or barbiturates) may result in death

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36
Q 
A young male patient is brought to the ED in an anxious and agitated state. He is subsequently determined to have signs and symptoms of the opioid abstinence syndrome. Which drug will be most effective in alleviating the symptoms experienced by this patient? 
A.  Buprenorphine 
B.  Codeine 
C.  Diazepam - benzodiazepine 
D.  Methadone 
E.  Naltrexone 
F.   Tramadol
A

D.  Methadone

37
Q

An ED patient with severe pain thought to be of gastrointestinal origin received 80 mg of meperidine. He subsequently developed a severe reaction characterized by tachycardia, hypertension, hyperpyrexia, and seizures. Questioning revealed that the patient had been taking a drug for a psychiatric condition. Which drug is most likely to be responsible for this untoward reaction to meperidine?
A.  Alprazolam (Xanax®) - benzodiazepine
B.  Bupropion (Wellbutrin®) - NDRI
C.  Lithium - mood stabilizer
D.  Phenelzine - MAOI
E.  Venlafaxine (Effexor®) - SNRI
F.   Sertraline (Zoloft®) - SSRI

A

D.  Phenelzine - MAOI

38
Q

Opioids are relatively contraindicated in who

A
  1. Head injury
  2. Respiratory depression
  3. Chronic inflammatory pain
  4. Pregnancy
39
Q

DDI of opioids

A
  1. CNS depressants (additive CNS depression)
  2. Benzos
  3. AD/AP
  4. 1st generation histamines
  5. Alcohol

MAO inhibitors and SSRIs–> Serotonin syndrome (agitation, hypertension, fever, seizures) - life-threatening

  •   Especially with meperidine (excitatory metabolite
    normeperidine) and tramadol
40
Q

Phase I oxidation in the liver is activitaing via ____ for:
1.
2.

A

CYP2D6

Codeine–> morphine
Tramadol–> more ative opioid

41
Q

CYP2D6 enzymes: genetic polymorphisms in activity–> interpatient variations in analgesic response and toxicity:
Poor metabolizers–> __
Ultra metabolizers–> __

A

PM= reduced anaglestic response

UM= greater risk of toxicitiy

**DONT USE CODEINE IN PEDs

42
Q

Phase I oxidation in the liver is inactivitaing via ____ for:
1.
2.
3.

A

CYP3A4

  1. Oxycodone
  2. Tramadol
  3. Methadone

**substantial potential for interactions w/ CYP3A4 substrates, inducers or inhibitiors

43
Q 
Genetic polymorphisms in certain drug metabolizing enzymes are established to be responsible for variations in analgesic response to: 
A.  Buprenorphine 
B.  Tramadol 
C.  Codeine 
D.  Fentanyl 
E.  Hydrocodone 
F.   Methadone
A

B.  Tramadol
C.  Codeine**
E.  Hydrocodone

44
Q

Naloxone:
A.  Increases the threshold for pain
B.  Antagonizes respiratory depression induced by barbiturates
C.  Can help manage opioid-induced constipation
D.  Antagonizes respiratory depression induced by opioids
E.  Has a longer duration of action than morphine

A

C.  Can help manage opioid-induced constipation

D.  Antagonizes respiratory depression induced by opioids

45
Q

What are OPIATES

A
  • natural and semisynthetic (phenanthrenes)
    1. Morphine*
    2. Codeine*
    3. Hydrocodone
    4. Hydromorphone*
    5. Oxycodone*
    6. Oxymorphone

**ALSO AGONISTS

46
Q

What are OPIOIDS

A
  • synthetic
    1. Meperidine (phenylpiperidines): fentanyl
    2. Methadone (phenylheptamines)
    3. Benzenoid: tramadol
47
Q

Examples of partial agonists and mixed action

A

Partial: Buprenorphine

Mixed: Tramdol (opioid agonist + NE/5HT reuptake inhibitior)

48
Q

Full agonists can be classifed by max clinical efficacy as used in usual dosage range.
Strong:
Moderate:
Low-Very low:

A

Strong: Morphine, Hydromorphone, methadone, meperidine, fentanyl, and analogs

Moderate: oxycodone, hydrocodone

Low-Very low: codeine

*Opioid analgesics in common use today are equally powerful, differing only in potency (dose)

49
Q

Benefits of partial agonists

A

ex. Buprenorphine
1. ceiling effect for: analgesia,
2. Resp. depression,
3. abuse potential, and
4. limited use in ACUTE pain

50
Q

Compare the onset of action with different routes

A

IV>IM>SC>PO

*Immediate release products are recommended for initial titration of opioid analgesia

51
Q

Describe the MOA of opioids

A

Mu receptor agonist in spinal cord (decrease perception of pain) and in limbic system (modify rxn to pain)

*NOT antipyretic or anti-inflammatory

52
Q

Describe the use of morphine

A
  1. rapid action in post surgical pain and
  2. acute trauma pain
  3. relief of anxiety and pain
  4. MI (decrease preload and anxiety)
53
Q

Describe the PK of morphine including form and DOA

A
  1. Form: PO, IV, PCA

2. DOA: 4hrs, SR 12-24 hrs

54
Q

adverse reactions w/ morphine

A
  1. Caution in severe renal dysfxn (neurotoxic metabolite)
  2. Agitation
  3. Confusion
  4. Delirium
55
Q

Uses of Fentanyl

A
  1. Perioperative-postoperative surgical pain (IV)
  2. Transdermal patch for chronic pain
  3. Acute/break through CA pain** (transmucosal formulation)— bypass 1st pass metabolism

*Non-parenteral formulations are not appropriate for opioid-naïve patients

56
Q

describe the potency of Morphine, fentanyl

A

fentanyl is 100x more potent than morphine

57
Q

Which of the following statements about fentanyl is correct?
A.  Causes less histamine release than morphine
B.  Withdrawal symptoms can be relieved by naloxone
C.  Active metabolites can cause seizures
D.  100 times more powerful than morphine
E.  100 times more potent than morphine
F.   More effective than hydrocodone by oral route

A

A.  Causes less histamine release than morphine

E.  100 times more potent than morphine

58
Q

What opioids are most likely to cause a Histamine release?

A

Morphine
Codeine
meperidine

59
Q

Uses/forms of methadone

A
  1. suppress opioid withdrawal sx
  2. Tx chronic pain
  3. PO and IV
60
Q

SE of methadone

A
  1. Long t1/2 predisposes to toxic drug accumulation
  2. Similar to morphine but
  3. QT prolongation risk!
61
Q

Uses/forms of Hydromorphone

A
  1. Severe pain

2. Parenterally and PO

62
Q

SE of Hydromorphone

A
  1. higher abuse potential
  2. higher street resale value
  3. unfamiliarity w/ dosing (more potent than morphine) can lead to inadvertent OD

**perception of less potential for Nausea or itching

63
Q

Methoxy substitution protects from rapid 1st-pass metabolism - used in oral dosage form

64
Q

Uses of hydrocodone

A
  1. suited for relief of moderate pain in ambulatory pt

2. combined w/ ASA or acetaminophen to give additional analgestic or anti-inflammatory effect

65
Q

The most widely used opioid analgestic

66
Q

Adverse reactions of codeine

A
  • *use has been declining
    1. efficacy is marginal
    2. sedation
    3. rash
    4. miosis
    5. vomiting
    6. potential for serious toxicities related to genetic variation in metabolism
    7. AVOID USE IN PEDs
67
Q

Uses of Meperidine

A
  1. acute dosing/PCA pumps
    * limit use to 24-48hrs
  • NOT USEFUL FOR COUGH OR DIARRHEA
  • Falling into disfavor for use as strong analgesic agent
68
Q

SE of Meperidine

A
  1. Neurotoxic metabolite w/ long t1/2

2. DDI w/ MAOIs

69
Q

Partial agonist at µ-receptor (antagonism at κ-receptor of less clinical relevance)

A

Buprenorphine

70
Q

Duration of analgesic action is longer than morphine due to slow dissociation from receptor

A

Buprenorphine

71
Q

Uses of Buprenorphine

A
  1. acute pain (IV-IM)
  2. Persistent moderate-severe pain (patch)
  3. Opioid detoxification (SL_
72
Q

buprenorphine can antagonize other systemic opioids which may precipatate __

73
Q

Mixed action opioids act by

A
  1. Mu receptor agonist

2. inhibition of NE and serotonin reuptake

74
Q

Uses of Tramadol

A
  1. less effective in severe pain than morphine

2. neuropathic pain

75
Q

SE of Tramadol

A
  1. less potential for resp. depression
  2. less abuse potential but greater than thought
  3. Lower seizure threshold (esp. w/ TCADs, SSRIs, MAOIs)
  4. Reuce dose in renal impairment
  5. DDI w/ MAOI and SSRIs
76
Q

Example of a mixed agonist-antagonist agent

A

Pentazocine

77
Q 
Which drug is a full agonist at opioid receptors with analgesic activity equivalent to morphine, a longer duration of activity, good oral bioavailabilty, and fewer withdrawal signs on abrupt discontinuance than morphine? 
A.  Fentanyl 
B.  Hydromorphone 
C.  Methadone 
D.  Oxycodone 
E.  Codeine
A

C.  Methadone

78
Q 
A 63-year-old man, DK, is undergoing radiation treatment as an outpatient for metastatic bone cancer. His pain has been treated with a fixed combination of oxycodone-acetaminophen taken orally. Despite increasing doses of the analgesic combination, the pain is getting worse. The most appropriate oral medication for his increasing pain is: 
A.  Buprenorphine 
B.  Fentanyl 
C.  Hydromorphone 
D.  Codeine plus acetaminophen 
E.  Tramadol 
F.   Meperidine
A

C.  Hydromorphone

79
Q 
It is possible that patient DK will have to increase the dose of the analgesic as his condition progresses as a result of developing tolerance. However, tolerance will not develop to: 
A.  Emesis 
B.  Sedation 
C.  Constipation 
D.  Respiratory depression 
E.  Euphoric effects 
F.   Pupillary constriction
A

C.  Constipation

F.   Pupillary constriction

80
Q 
Which of the following should be tried first for initial treatment of mild to moderate pain? 
A.  Acetaminophen 
B.  Fentanyl 
C.  Ketorolac
D.  Tramadol
A

A.  Acetaminophen

81
Q 
Strong full opioid agonists are generally used for treatment of: 
A.  Mild pain 
B.  Moderate to severe pain 
C.  Chronic lower back pain 
D.  High fever (> 105º C) 
E.  All of the above
A

B.  Moderate to severe pain

82
Q

Codeine:
A.  Is now contraindicated for use in children undergoing tonsillectomy and/or adenoidectomy
B.  Is metabolized to morphine
C.  May be less effective if taken with fluoxetine
D.  All of the above

A

D.  All of the above

83
Q

Meperidine:
A.  Has a potentially toxic active metabolite
B.  Should only be used for short-term treatment of moderate to severe acute pain
C.  Should not be taken with a monoamine oxidase inhibitor
D.  All of the above

A

D.  All of the above

*do not take meperidine or tramadol w/ MAOI

84
Q 
Tramadol: 
A.  Has a dual mechanism of action 
B.  Needs slow dose titration to improve tolerability 
C.  Can cause seizures 
D.  All of the above
A

D.  All of the above

85
Q 
Tolerance usually develops rapidly to most of the adverse effects of opioids except: 
A.  Respiratory depression 
B.  Sedation 
C.  Constipation 
D.  Nausea
A

C.  Constipation

86
Q

MOA of Pentazocine

A

K agonist (spinal analgesia) weak mu antagonist or partial agonist

87
Q

Compare the potency/efficacy of different opioids

A

Fentanyl> hydromorphone> oxycodone> hydrocodone=tramadol> codeine

88
Q

Compare the potential for abuse of different opioids

A

Hydromorphone> Morphine > Oxycodone > hydrocodone > Tramadol

Morphine > buprenorphine

Pharmacology (31 decks)

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