5 Questions
How do NSAIDs, paracetamol, and opioids mechanistically act to reduce pain?
NSAIDs inhibit prostaglandin production, paracetamol blocks pain transmission in the brain, and opioids bind to opioid receptors to reduce pain transmission.
What types of pain are weak, moderate, and strong opioids useful to treat?
Weak opioids for mild-moderate pain, moderate opioids for moderate-severe pain, and strong opioids for severe pain.
Where do opioids act in the body to reduce pain?
Opioids bind to opioid receptors in the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nervous system.
What are the risks of opioid use, and how do they differ depending on the type of opioid used?
Risks include addiction, respiratory depression, and constipation; differing side effects may be experienced due to varying receptor binding and metabolism.
How can the risks and side effects of opioid use be counteracted?
Counteracting strategies include dose titration, rotating opioids, and using adjuvant medications.
Study Notes
Mechanism of Action of Analgesics
- NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs) reduce pain by inhibiting prostaglandin production, thereby reducing inflammation and pain
- Paracetamol reduces pain by blocking the production of prostaglandins in the brain, but not in the rest of the body
- Opioids reduce pain by binding to opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord, reducing the transmission of pain signals
Types of Injury and Appropriate Analgesics
- NSAIDs are most effective for treating pain associated with inflammation (e.g. arthritis, menstrual cramps)
- Paracetamol is most effective for treating pain that is not associated with inflammation (e.g. headaches, fever)
- Opioids are most effective for treating severe pain, such as that experienced after surgery or with cancer
Types of Pain Treated by Opioids
- Weak opioids (e.g. codeine) are useful for treating mild to moderate pain
- Moderate opioids (e.g. tramadol) are useful for treating moderate pain
- Strong opioids (e.g. morphine, fentanyl) are useful for treating severe pain
Mechanism of Action of Opioids
- Opioids act on opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord, reducing the transmission of pain signals
- Different types of opioids bind to different opioid receptors, resulting in varying efficacy and side effects
Risks and Side Effects of Opioid Use
- Risks of opioid use include addiction, tolerance, and respiratory depression
- Side effects of opioid use include nausea, vomiting, constipation, and drowsiness
- Different opioids may cause different side effects due to differing affinities for opioid receptors
- Risks and side effects may be counteracted by using opioid-sparing medications, rotating opioids, and using non-pharmacological pain management techniques
Understand how different classes of analgesics work to reduce pain and indicate the types of injury they are most suitable for. Learn about the risks and side effects of opioid use and how to counteract them.
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