Analgesics and Opioid Classification

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Questions and Answers

What is one potential adverse effect associated with sedation?

Nausea and vomiting (correct)

Increased depth of consciousness

Decrease in heart rate

Euphoria

Which term is used to describe a state of heightened pleasure that can occur with sedation?

Dependence

Narcosis

Anesthesia

Euphoria (correct)

In which context is pre-anesthesia most critical?

After a patient has regained consciousness

Before sedation for minor procedures

During drug rehabilitation

Prior to surgeries like CVS surgery (correct)

What does the term narcosis refer to?

A state of reduced awareness Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is crucial when considering drug dependence in anesthesia?

Type of sedation administered Signup and view all the answers

Which drug class includes both non-opioid and opioid analgesics?

Analgesics Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT classified as an opioid analgesic?

Paracetamol Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of weak opioids in pain management?

Combined with NSAIDs for moderate pain Signup and view all the answers

The analgesic ladder primarily guides the use of which types of analgesics?

A mix of NSAIDs and opioids Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the opium poppy is harvested to produce opioids?

Pods Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'opiate' refer to?

A drug extracted from the exudate of the poppy Signup and view all the answers

What effect does dextromethorphan have on carbon dioxide levels in the body?

Decreases CO2 levels Signup and view all the answers

What are the main effects produced by opioid analgesics?

Analgesia, sedation, and euphoria Signup and view all the answers

In which condition is the use of dextromethorphan contraindicated?

Head injury Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes the term 'narcotic'?

It usually refers to opioid analgesics inducing insensibility to pain. Signup and view all the answers

Which receptors are primarily involved in the action of opioids?

Mu, delta, and kappa receptors Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential adverse effect of using dextromethorphan?

Increased intracranial tension Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a primary action of dextromethorphan?

Acts as a cough suppressant Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of endogenous opioids?

They are always addictive and cause withdrawal symptoms. Signup and view all the answers

What physiological effect can dextromethorphan induce in the brain?

Cerebral vasodilation Signup and view all the answers

What is one primary advantage of using pethidine over morphine?

Less constipation Signup and view all the answers

In what scenarios is pethidine most commonly used?

Acute moderate and severe pain Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following routes is NOT commonly used for administering pethidine?

Intravenous Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes a potential property of pethidine?

It produces a lesser degree of constipation compared to morphine. Signup and view all the answers

What type of drug is buprenorphine classified as?

Partial agonist Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of combining opioids with other central nervous system (CNS) depressants?

Additive CNS depression Signup and view all the answers

What occurs when a partial agonist is combined with a pure agonist?

Withdrawal syndrome and decreased analgesic effect Signup and view all the answers

What effect do opioids have when used with sedatives?

Reduction in respiratory functions Signup and view all the answers

Which statement is true regarding opioids and antidepressants?

They can lead to additive CNS depression Signup and view all the answers

What can be a consequence of combining a pure agonist opioid with a CNS depressant?

Increased risk of overdose Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Analgesics

Analgesics are drugs that relieve pain from various causes.
Analgesics are categorized into opioids and non-opioids.

Opioids

Opioids are strong pain relievers.
Included in this category are morphine and synthetic opioids.
Morphine is derived from the opium poppy.
Synthetic opioids are man-made versions.

Opioid Analgesics

Used for moderate to severe pain.
Include multiple drugs like fentanyl, pethidine and others.

Classification of Opioid Analgesics

Strong opioids include pure agonists such as morphine, fentanyl, pethidine, heroin.
Moderate opioids comprise codeine
Weak opioids comprise propoxyphene

Pethidine (IM - Oral)

Used for acute moderate and severe pain in situations like post-surgery or labor.
Key differences from Morphine include; less constipation, less urinary retention (shorter acting), less respiratory depression in neonates; preferred during labor; and atropine-like action.

Fentanyl

More potent than morphine, rapid onset and shorter action.
Commonly used for severe pain (post-surgery, labor, cancer pain) and pre-surgery and in some cases in cardiovascular (CVS) surgery.

Buprenorphine (partial agonist)

Advantages over pure agonists include less addiction, less euphoria, and less respiratory depression.
Used as an analgesic for severe pain and also in treating opioid addiction.

Acute Morphine Toxicity

Symptoms include coma, respiratory depression, and pinpoint pupils.
Treatment involves supporting respiration and using naloxone (IV) as an opioid antagonist.

Drug Interactions of Opioids

Opioids combined with other CNS depressants (sedatives, alcohol, antidepressants, antipsychotics) can cause additive CNS depression.
Combining partial agonists with pure agonists can cause a withdrawal syndrome and reduced analgesic effects.

Endogenous Opioid-peptides

These are naturally occurring opioid-like substances in the body.
Examples include endorphins, dynorphins, and enkephalins.

Uses of Analgesics

Analgesic use cases include acute trauma, post-operative pain, cancer pain, pre-anesthesia, and cardiovascular (especially CVS ) surgery.
Other uses include antitussive (cough suppression) and antidiarrheal applications.

Actions of Analgesics

Analgesia: Relief of pain
Sedation: Reduced awareness and activity.
Euphoria: intense feelings of happiness or well-being.
Inhibitory effects include a reduction in cough center activity, uterine tone, and respiratory function.
Stimulatory effects may include pupil constriction, vomiting, and changes in urinary and gastrointestinal tone.

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Description

This quiz explores the classification and types of analgesics, focusing on opioid analgesics, including their uses, categories, and key differences among them. Participants will gain insights into the properties and applications of drugs such as morphine, pethidine, and fentanyl.