Pharmacology of Chronic Pain Management Flashcards
Hydrocodone MAO
Full opioid agonists
Hydrocodone Indications
Relief of moderate pain. As an antitussive when used
in combination with other Nrespiratory agents
(expectants/decongestants/ antihistamines)
Hydrocodone Dosage
Equianalgesic Dose: (PO): 30
5-10mg every 4-6h
Hydrocodone Duration and Half life
Duration: 4-8h
Half-life: 3.3- 4.5h
Hydrocodone formulation
Weak opioid only available in combination with nonopioid analgesic (acetaminophen or ibuprofen)
Hydrocodone compared to Hydromorphone
Hydrocodone is the methyl ether of hydromorphone, but is much weaker an analgesic than hydromorphone.
Hydrocodone Metabolism
Undergoes-O-demethylation to dihydromorphine and its
major metabolites excreted into urine are dihydrocodeine
and nordihydrocodeine
Hydromorphone MOA
(Dilaudid)
Full opioid agonists
Hydromorphone Indications
(Dilaudid)
Immediate – release: relief of moderate to severe pain due to conditions such as biliary/renal, colic burns,
cancer, myocardial infarction, surgery, and trauma
Long-acting: relief of moderate to severe pain in
patients requiring continuous, around the clock analgesia
Hydromorphone Dosage
(Dilaudid)
Equianalgesic Dose
Hydromorphone (IV/IM/SC): 1.5
Hydromorphone (PO): 7.5
Immediate Release: 2-4mg q 4-6h (tablets), 2.5- 10mg q3-6h (solution)
Titrated by response; higher doses may be needed for severe pain
SR preparation (exalgo)
For breakthrough pain: 5-15% of total daily dose may be given every 2h prn
Dosing interval for long acting formulation: 24h
Hydromorphone Duration and Half Life
(Dilaudid)
Duration: 4-5h
Half-life: 2-3h
Hydromorphone Metabolism and Excretion
(Dilaudid)
Hydromorphone is preferred over morphine in patients
with renal dysfunction due to less accumulation of active
metabolites compared to morphine
Renal excretion
Meperidine (Demerol) MAO
Meperidine binds to opioid receptors, particularly
μ receptors. It also binds well to κ receptors
Meperidine cab block voltage dependent sodium channels.
Meperidine also has agonist activity at the alpha 2B adrenoreceptor subtype.
Inhibit serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake
Meperidine (Demerol) Indications
Not used for chronic pain because of short duration of
action and toxicities associated with chronic use
The use of meperidine should be limited to 1 to 2
days for acute pain and should be avoided in chronic
pain management
Relief of moderate to severe pain
Meperidine (Demerol) Side Effects
Seizures and central nervous system effects have been
associated with high doses or prolonged use because of
accumulation of the metabolite Normeperidine. Especially in elderly and pts with renal dysfunction not affected by naloxone
Meperidine similar to Atropine may elevate the heart rate
interactions of Meperidine and MAOIs are combined,
severe respiratory depression or excitation, arrhythmias,
delusions, hyperpyrexia, seizures and coma can be seen.
Meperidine has cardiac (hypotension and myocardial
depression), local anesthetic, and anticholinergic
properties
Meperidine (Demerol) Dosage
Meperidine (IV/IM/SC): 75
Meperidine (PO): 300
50-150mg q 3-4 prn
Meperidine (Demerol) Duration and Half Life
Duration: 2-4h
Half-life: 3-4h
Morphine (Roxanol, Contin, Oramorph, Kadian, Avinza) MAO
Morphine acts at κ receptors in laminae I and II of
the dorsal horn of the spinal cord, and it
decreases the release of substance P, which
modulates pain perception
Morphine Indications
Immediate- release: relief of moderate to severe pain
Long-acting: relief of moderate to severe pain in
patients requiring continuous around the clock analgesia
Morphine has greater potency but slower speed of
onset and offset in women
Morphine Side Effects
Morphine and other opioids produce seizures at HIGH doses due to inhibition of release of GABA at synaptic levels.
Therapeutic doses of morphine decrease
Minute Ventilation by decreasing Respiratory Rate (as oppose to tidal volume).
Opioids acting in μ- and κ- receptors constrict
the pupil by exciting the Edinger Westphal nucleus (parasympathetic)
Long-term opioid use can produce tolerance to miotic effects of opioids
Morphine dosing
Morphine (IV/IM/SC): 10 Morphine (acute PO): 60 Morphine (chronic PO): 30 Immediate Release formulation: 5- 30mg every 4h, titrated by response Dosing intervals for long acting formulations: 8-12h for MS Contin and Oramorph SR, 12h for Kadian, 24h for Avinza
Morphine Metabolism and Excretion
Hepatic metabolism, renal excretion
Morphine is metabolized by the liver to morphine-6-glucuronide which is more potent than morphine itself
and has a longer half-life, resulting in additional analgesia. Morphine is also metabolized to morphine-3-
glucuronide which causes adverse effects and is inactive according to others.
Renal dysfunction can produce accumulation of morphine-6- glucuronide, with subsequent opioid effects, including respiratory depression, so morphine should be used with care in renal dysfunction.
Patients with liver failure can tolerate morphine (even in hepatic precoma), because glucuronidation is rarely impaired
Morphine and Respiratory Depression
Delayed respiratory depression is likely to occur with
larger dose of epidural opioids, particularly morphine that
is hydrophilic and therefore subject to spread in the CSF,
reaching the respiratory center in the brainstem. Morphine in the epidural space produces a biphasic respiratory depression pattern. One portion
of the initial bolus is absorbed systemically, accounting for the initial phase, which usually occurs within 2 hours of the bolus dose. The second phase occurs 6 to 12 hours later owing to the slow rostral spread of the remaining drug as it reaches the brainstem. Pts should be monitored 24hrs after administration epidurally.
Intrathecal doses of morphine produce only a uniphasic
pattern of respiratory depression.
Neurotoxic metabolites cause hyperalgesia, myoclonus,
and seizures
Morphine Duration, Half-life, Bioavailability
Duration: 3-7 h
Half-life: 1.5- 2h
Oral Bioavailability: 25-35%
Oxycodone MOA (OxyContin)
.
Oxycodone Indication
Immediate- release: relief of moderate to severe pain
Long-acting: relief of moderate to severe pain in
patients requiring continuous around the clock analgesia
Oxycodone Dosage
Oxycodone (PO): 20
Oxycodone has been typically used in combination with nonopioids (acetaminophen, aspirin)
Immediate release: 10-30mg q4h, titrated by response
5mg capsules and oral concentrate 5mg q6h, titrated by response Dosing intervals for long acting formulations: 12h
Oxycodone Duration and Half Life
Bioavailability
Duration: 4-6h
Half-life: N/A
Higher bioavailability than that of morphine (approximately 60%).
Oxycodone Metabolism and Excretion
Metabolite via 3-0 demethylation is Oxymorphone. Must
be converted to oxymorphone by CYP2D6 to be effective
Renal excretion
Oxymorphone MOA
Opana
.
Oxymorphone Indications
Opana
Immediate- release: relief of moderate to severe acute
pain
Long-acting: relief of moderate to severe pain in
patients requiring continuous around the clock analgesia
Oxymorphone Dosage
Oxymorphone (IV/IM/SC): 1.0
Oxymorphone (PO): 10
Immediate- release formulation: 10- 20mg q4-6h; titrated by response
Dosing intervals for long acting formulations: 12h
Oxymorphone Duration and Half-life
Duration: 3-6h
Half-life: N/A
Oxymorphone metabolism
Active metabolite of oxycodone
Fentanyl (Actiq, Duragesic, Fentora, Onsoild) MOA
Full opioid agonists
Fentanyl is a potent mu agonist, with high lipid
solubility, low molecular weight and high potency,
making it an ideal drug for transdermal and
transmucosal administration 92% of fentanyl delivered transdermally reaches the circulation as unchanged fentanyl.
Transmucosal route at the buccal and sublingual
mucosa skips the first pass effect and overall
bioavailability is 50%.
For opioid rotation when tolerance to opioid
develops. Do not reduce the dose but maintain
the equianalgesic dose.
Fentanyl Indications
Transdermal patches: relief of moderate to severe
chronic pain in patients requiring continuous around
the clock analgesia when other analgesia have failed
Oral formulations (sublingual, lozenges, buccal
tablets/films): management of breakthrough cancer pain
in patients on or tolerant to opioid therapy
Fentanyl Side Effects
Causes less constipation than sustained-release morphine
Fentanyl Dosage
Equianalgesic Dose: Fentanyl is 80
times as potent as morphine
Fentanyl (IM/IV): 0.1
Fentanyl (Transdermal): 0.2
Fentanyl (Transdermal)
92% of fentanyl delivered transdermally reaches systemic circulation as unchanged fentanyl
Peak plasma concentration after application is 12 to 24 hours and a residual depot remains in subcutaneous tissues for about 24 hours after removal of the patc
Advantages of Fentanyl Patch
Low MW, High Lipid Solubility; this allows it to be administered by the transdermal route. It interacts
primarily with mu receptors, 80X more potent than morphine, and low abuse potential which is a
property of the delivery system not opioid itself.
Fentanyl Duration and Half Life
Duration: 1-2h
Half-life: 1.5-6 h
Time of onset of IM: 7-15 mins
Fentanyl Characteristics
Fentanyl is both lipophilic and highly protein bound.
Fentanyl
also distributes to fat tissue and redistributes slowly from
there into the systemic circulation
Fentanyl Metabolism
Fentanyl is metabolized to inactive metabolites by the
CYP450 3A4 system mainly in the Liver and minor extent
in CNS, Kidneys, lung, placenta
Best given in patient with Chronic Kidney Disease and
Liver Disease
Oral transmucosal fentanyl citrate (OTFC)
Applied against the buccal mucosa. 25% of total dose is absorbed from GI tract but escapes hepatic and intestinal first pass elimination. Total apparent bioavailability: 50%
Actiq lollipop
25% absorbed transmucosally, 75% GI, 2/3
of which is inactivated. Net = ½ the dose is available for
analgesia
Codeine MOA
Full opioid agonists
Metabolized to Morphine
The analgesic actions of codeine derive from its
conversion to morphine by the CYP450 2D6
enzyme system
Codeine Indications
Relief of mild-mod pain.
As an antitussive when used in combination with other
respiratory agents (expectants/decongestants/
antihistamines)
Codeine Side Effects
avoid in renal insufficiency
Codeine Dosage
Equianalgesic Dose:
Codeine (IM/IV): 120
Codeine (PO): 200
15-60mg every 4-6h
Codeine Duration and Half life
Duration: 4-6h
Half-life: 3h
Weak opioid only available in combination with nonopioid
analgesic (acetaminophen or Ibuprofen)
Codeine in Caucasians
10% ineffective as an analgesic in the Caucasian with
genetic polymorphisms in CYP2D6 (enzyme necessary to
O methylate codeine to morphine)
Methadone (Dolophine) MOA
Mediated by μ- agonist (pure) and agonist, NMDA
inhibitor, inhibitor of serotonin and norepinephrine
reuptake
In addition, methadone is an antagonist of NMDA receptor, which is useful in the treatment of neurogenic pain.
Addition of an NMDA antagonist is a strategy
available for opioid rotation when tolerance to
opioid develops. Reduce the dose by 75-90%
Methadone Indications
Methadone is used as an analgesic in nociceptive and
neurogenic pain as well as in the controlled withdrawal of dependent abusers from heroin and morphine
because withdrawal symptoms tend to be less severe than morphine’s, this and its long duration of action, good oral bioavailability, and high potency
Methadone Dosage
Methadone (acute IV): 5.0
Methadone (acute PO): 10
2.5-10mg every 8-12h, slowly
titrated by response
Methadone Titration
Rapid titration is not possible, making this drug more useful for stable type of pain
Methadone Formulation
Methadone is the only opioid with prolonged activity not achieved by controlled release formulation.
Can be used in a intrathecal pump
Methadone Excretion
Excreted exclusively in the feces and can be given in patient with renal dysfunction
Methadone Duration and Half-life
Duration: 4-6h
Half-life: 15- 30h
Methadone Metabolism
Methadone unlike morphine is metabolized through N-demethylation by the liver cytochrome P-450 enzyme (CYP1A2) caution in patients receiving multiple medications
Safe in liver and renal disease
Methadone Elimination
Methadone has biphasic elimination. β-elimination phase (ranges from 30 to 60 hours) producing sedation and respiratory depression can outlast the analgesic action which equates the α-elimination phase (6-8 hours).
Levorphanol MOA
Full opioid agonists
Levorphanol Indications
Relief of moderate to severe
pain
As a preoperative medication
Levorphanol Dose
Equianalgesic Dose
Levorphanol (acute PO): 4.0
Levorphanol (chronic PO): 1.0
2mg every 6-8h
Levorphanol Duration and Half Life
Duration: 6-8h
Half-life: 12-16h
Long half life may lead to accumulation with chronic use
Buprenorphine (Buprenex, Subutex) MOA
A partial agonist at the μ-receptor and very little
activity at the κ- and δ-receptors. It has high
affinity but low intrinsic activity at the μ-receptor
and has a pharmacologic ceiling owing to its
partial agonist activity.
It acts like morphine in naive patients, but it can
also precipitate withdrawal in morphine users
Buprenorphine Indications
A partial agonist at the μ-receptor and very little
activity at the κ- and δ-receptors. It has high
affinity but low intrinsic activity at the μ-receptor
and has a pharmacologic ceiling owing to its
partial agonist activity.
It acts like morphine in naive patients, but it can
also precipitate withdrawal in morphine users.
The tablets are indicated for the treatment of opioid
dependence and are available in buprenorphine alone
(Subutex) and also in a combination product containing
buprenorphine and naloxone (Suboxone). Naloxone was
added to buprenorphine to prevent the abuse of
buprenorphine via IV administration
Buprenorphine Dosage
Equianalgesic Dose: (IM/IV): 0.4
Opioid Naïve patients: 5mcg/h transdermal patch initially, titrated at intervals of 72h up to maximum of 20mcg/h transdermal patch
Nonopioid naïve patients: Taper current opioid dose for up to 7 days to no more than morphine 30mg/d; patients originally requiring < 30mg/d of morphine (or equivalent)
can be started on a 5mcg /h patch.
Patients originally requiring 30-80mg/d of morphine (or equivalent) can be started on a 10mcg /h patch
Buprenorphine Transdermal
Each transdermal patch should be worn for 7 days
Transdermal patch: relief of moderate to severe chronic
pain in patients requiring continuous, around the clock
analgesia
Buprenorphine Sublingual
Sublingual: treatment of opioid dependence
Butorphanol (Stadol) MOA
Mixed Opioid agonists/ antagonist
Butorphanol (Stadol) Dosage
Equianalgesic Dose: (IM/IV): 2.0
1-2mg intranasally; may be repeated in 3-4h, if needed
If a 1mg dose is used initially, a 2nd 1 mg dose may be
given 60-90min later if pain relief is not adequate
Nalbuphine (Nubain)
.
Pentazocine (Talwin) MOA
Mixed Opioid agonists/ antagonist
Acts as an agonist on κ receptors and is a weak
antagonist at μ and δ receptors
Pentazocine (Talwin) Indications
Pentazocine promotes analgesia by activating
receptors in the spinal cord, and it is used to relieve
Moderate pain
Pentazocine (Talwin) Dosage
25-50mg every 3-4h
Pentazocine (Talwin)
Weak opioid only available in combination with a
nonopioid analgesic (acetaminophen) or an opioid
anatagonist (naloxone)
Suboxone (Buprenorphine/naloxone) MOA
.
Suboxone (Buprenorphine/naloxone) Indications
Used to maintain addicts, requires special license
Good option for addicts with true pain
Suboxone (Buprenorphine/naloxone) Side Effects
GI absorption of naloxone is negligible
Suboxone (Buprenorphine/naloxone) characteristics
Can’t be abused due to naloxone administration if taken
parenterally
Naloxone (Narcan) Antagonist
Antagonist
Competitive antagonist at μ, κ, and δ, receptors,
with a tenfold higher affinity for μ than for κ
receptors
Naloxone (Narcan) Indications
Used to reverse the coma and respiratory depression of
opioid overdose. It rapidly displaces all receptor-bound
opioid molecules and, therefore, is able to reverse
the effect of a morphine overdose
Naloxone (Narcan) Half life
Half-life of 30 to 81 minutes
Tramadol (Ultram) Schedule
Schedule II controlled
substance
Tramadol (Ultram) MOA
Acts through monoceminergic (like TCA) and
opioid (central) mechanism to block pain
perception
Weak mu opioid receptor agonist and SSNRI
Weak inhibitor of norepinephrine and serotonin
reuptake
A centrally acting analgesic that binds to the μ- opioid receptor. The drug undergoes extensive
metabolism via CYP450 2D6, leading to an active
metabolite that has a much higher affinity for the
μ receptor than the parent compound.
In addition, it weakly inhibits reuptake of
norepinephrine and serotonin. Major mechanism,
which is thought to account for
Tramadol (Ultram) Indications
Used to manage moderate to moderately severe pain
Neuropathic pain
Fibromyalgia
Immediate release: relief of moderate to moderately
severe pain
Extended release: relief of moderate to moderately severe
chronic pain in patients requiring continuous around the
clock analgesia
Tramadol (Ultram) Side Effects
Nausea, Sedation, Constipation,
Seizures, Headache, Tremor, Dry
mouth Urinary retention, increase risk suicide
Fewer side effects than morphine. The risk of respiratory depression is lower at equianalgesic doses; the risk of fatal respiratory depression is minimal at appropriate
oral dosing, and limited essentially to patients
with severe renal failure.
Tramadol has a low abuse potential,however,
Nausea and vomiting occur at the same rate as with other opioids
Tramadol should also be avoided in patients taking
MAOIs.
Serotonin syndrome (caution with MAOI’s, TCA’s and
SSRI’s
Tramadol (Ultram) Dosage
50-100mg 4x daily
25mg/d initially, titrated to 25mg 4x daily over 3d, then to 50-100mg every 4-6h; maximum dose of 400mg/d
Extended release tablets can be started at dose of 100mg/d and slowly titrated to a maximum of
300mg/d
Tramadol (Ultram) Metabolism and Excretion
Metabolized with one pharmacologically active metabolite, M1
Reduce dose in pts with hepatic dysfunction and in older
patients
Adjust dose for hepatic, renal disease and elderly
Tapentadol MOA
a centrally acting analgesic that binds the μ- opioid receptor and is also a norepinephrine
reuptake inhibitor that is believed to create an
additive effect to the opioid actions
Tapentadol Indications
Used to manage moderate to severe pain, both chronic
and acute.
Tapentadol Avoided in what patients
Tapentadol should be avoided in patients currently taking MAOIs and those who have taken MAOIs within the last 14 days
Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCA) MOA
Theorized that the analgesic properties are
associated with their action as SNRI
TCAs with the greatest effect upon serotonin
seem to have the greatest analgesic effect.
Inhibit NE and 5-HT reuptake leading to increased
descending inhibition of pain pathways
Also block sodium channels, alpha-adrenergic,
muscarinic (cholinergic), and histaminergic
pathways
Tricyclic Antidepressants compared to SSRI
Onset
Analgesic effect (superior to SSRIs)
- Independent of their effect on clinical depression
- Onset of analgesia with TCA ranges from 3-7 days
- Analgesia tends to occur at lower doses and plasma
levels than that needed for antidepressant effects
TCA Side Effects
Sedation (1-3hrs after ingestion)
Contraindicated in patients with severe cardiac disease, particularly conduction disturbances, obtain a
pretreatment ECG
Avoid in pts w/ GI dysfunction
Orthostatic hypotension, anticholinergic effects, weight gain, sexual dysfunction, restlessness
Signs of TCA Toxicity
Hyperthermia, Tachycardia, Seizures
TCA Metabolism and Excretion
Metabolized via CYP2D6 isoenzyme
Excreted in urine
Tricyclic side effects
.
Tricyclic Guidelines
.
Amitriptyline (Elavil)
Tertiary amine
Amitriptyline (Elavil) Side Effect
Has the most Anticholinergic side effects (dry mouth, orthostatic hypotension, constipation, urinary retention, Insomnia, restlessness)
Amitriptyline (Elavil) Dosage
100-150mg/day (25-150mg/day)
Neuropathic pain: initial dose of 10- 25mg at bedtime titrated by 10-25mg per week until response or a
maximum of 150mg/day
Anticholinergic SE reduce by starting low doses qhs and slowly titrated to higher dose or using
secondary amine
Tertiary amine TCA
Imipramine , Tripramine, Clomipramine, Doxepin, Amitriptyline
Secondary amine TCA
Desipramine, Nortriptyline, Protriptyline, Amoxapine
Desipramine Side Effect
Fewer anticholinergic side effects Lower sedating effect
Desipramine Dosage
200-250mg/day (10-150mg/day) Neuropathic pain: initial dose of 10- 25mg at bedtime titrated by 10-25
mg per week until response or a
maximum of 150mg/day
Time to Effect: 6 week
Safe in older pts but starting dose reduced by ½
Nortriptyline Side Effect
Fewer side effects
Nortriptyline Dosage
100-150mg/day (30-150mg/day) Neuropathic pain: initial dose of 10-25mg at bedtime titrated by 10-25
mg per week until response or a
maximum of 150mg/day
Time to Effect: 6 week
Fewer anticholinergic side effects
Safe in older pts but starting dose reduced by ½
Trazadone MOA
Inhibits serotonin uptake and blocks serotonin
5HT2 receptors, Alpha-1-receptor antagonist
Trazadone Indications
At low dose, it is used as an
adjunct for insomnia
Trazadone Side Effect
Sedation
Orthostatic Hypotension
Duloxetine (Cymbalta) MOA
NE and 5-HT reuptake inhibitor
Duloxetine (Cymbalta) Indications
Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain (Discomfort from Chronic Low Back Pain and Osteoarthritis) Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy Fibromyalgia DM and depression
Duloxetine (Cymbalta) Side Effects
Nausea, Dry mouth, Insomia, Drowsiness, Constipation, Fatigue, Dizziness
SIADH(rare)
Sucide
Hepatoxicity
SEs are reduced by administering 30mg daily for one week before increasing to 60mg daily
duloxetine does not cause QTc interval prolongation,