Pharmacology: analgesics - opioids Flashcards
3 types of pain?
Nociceptive pain, neuropathic pain, neuroplastic pain
Describe the three types of pain - nociceptive, neuropathic, neuroplastic
Nociceptive pain
- Noxious stimuli can lead to the release of which chemicals?
- These chemical bind to sensory fibres (C fibres), and travel to the brain
- Role of higher centres in regulating pain?
- Descending inhibitory pathways can modulate pain signals
7 examples of analgesics?
Opioids
Paracetamol
NSAIDs
Antiepileptics
Anti depressants
Cannabinoids
Capsaicin
How might antidepressants treat pain?
Opioids, paracetamol and NSAIDs are good at treating what type of pain?
Wherease antidepressants and antiepileptics are good at treathing which type of pain?
Impact serotonin
Nociceptive pain
Neuropathic pain
OPIOIDS
MOA
- They act on ______ receptors in the ______ and ______ _____.
- They are agonists/antagonists for these receptors
- What are the three types of opioid receptors?
- Activation of which of these receptors produce the strongest analgesic effect?
Opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord
Agonists
μ (mu), δ (delta), and κ (kappa)
mu
OPIOIDS
MOA
Mu opioid receptor
- What kind of receptor is it?
- Impacts of activating it (presynaptic and postsynaptic?)
- Overall impacts of this?
GPCR
Presynaptic: reduces cAMP, PKA activity, calcium ion influx/availability, NT release.
Postsynaptic: enhances potassium efflux to hyperpolarise the postsynaptic membrane
Reduced nociceptive signalling
OPIOIDS
MOA
Mu receptor
- Activation of mu receptors produces the strongest analgesic effect, however, it’s more likely to result in which 2 ADRs?
Respiratory depression
Physical dependence
OPIOIDS
MOA
- In addition to reducing the excitation and transmission of neurons, what is the other mechanism through which opioids work?
Activates descending inhibitory pathways (mainly via serotonin)
OPIOIDS
Indications?
Moderate-severe (acute) pain
Cough suppressant
Anti-diarrhoeal
OPIOIDS
Are they meant for acute or chronic pain? Why?
Acute - evidence shows they’re effective in treating acute pain
Not chronic - evidence doesn’t show superiority to placebo; and have ADRs
What are the traditional opioids?
What are the synthetic opioids?
Traditional
- Morphine
- Heroine
- Codeine
Synthetic
- Oxycodone
- Fentanyl
- Tramadol
- Methadone
- Buprenorphine
- Tapentadol
Morphine
- 2 formulations?
Oral (fast and slow release)
Injection (more reliable bioavailability)
Heroin (diamorphine)
- Describe its chemical structure, and how does it lead to its function?
2x morphine molecules
Makes it lipid soluble –> crosses the BBB more easily –> quicker euphoria
Codeine
- Relationship to morphine?
The pro drug of morphine
Hepatic metabolism converts 10% of codeine to morphine (hence, codeine is 10x less potent than morphine)