Textbook Chpt. 11 Opioids

A drug that is inactive until it is metabolized into its active form by the body.

The process by which the body breaks down and transforms drugs into different forms.

A specific enzyme responsible for metabolizing many medications.

A substance that speeds up the breakdown of a drug in the body.

A substance that slows down the breakdown of a drug in the body.

Differences in how individuals metabolize drugs due to genetic variations.

The primary target of most opioid drugs, responsible for analgesia, sedation, euphoria, and dependence.

A chemical substance produced by the body that binds to opioid receptors.

A drug that activates opioid receptors by binding to them.

A drug that blocks opioid receptors and prevents them from being activated.

A type of opioid medication that works by activating mu-opioid receptors, which are responsible for pain relief, sedation, and euphoria.

A type of opioid medication that only partially activates mu-opioid receptors, leading to weaker pain relief and reduced risk of overdose.

The tendency for the body to become less sensitive to opioids with repeated use, requiring higher doses for the same effect.

A state of physical dependence on opioids, where withdrawal symptoms occur upon stopping use.

A potentially fatal complication of opioid abuse, characterized by slowed breathing, decreased heart rate, and coma.

Treatment options for opioid addiction, including medications like methadone and buprenorphine, that help manage withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings.

A common route of administration for opioids which involves injecting the drug into the bloodstream.

A route of administration for opioids where the drug is inhaled through the nose or mouth.

A route of administration for opioids where the drug is taken orally, usually in pill or liquid form.

Opioids are more easily absorbed when injected directly into muscles, under the skin, or into veins compared to being swallowed.

Morphine's structure makes it poorly absorbed into the bloodstream when taken orally due to its high ionization and low lipid solubility.

This means it doesn't easily pass through the gut's acidic environment.

First-pass metabolism breaks down a drug in the liver before it reaches the bloodstream, limiting its effectiveness.

Morphine and heroin are significantly degraded by enzymes in the digestive system and liver, decreasing their oral bioavailability.

Extended-release opioids have multiple layers that break down at different rates, ensuring a sustained release of the drug over time.

Some opioids, like fentanyl, are highly fat-soluble and readily pass through the protective membranes of our mouths, making buccal absorption a preferred route.

Opioids accumulate in vital organs such as the heart, lungs, and brain due to their ability to cross cell membranes.

Highly lipophilic opioids have a strong affinity for proteins, leading to prolonged retention within the body.

Codeine, morphine, and hydromorphone lack extensive protein binding compared to highly lipophilic opioids.

The liver's enzymes break down opioid molecules, converting them into forms that can be easily eliminated.

Opioid metabolism involves two main phases: Phase 1 modifies the drug molecule, and Phase 2 attaches a hydrophilic substance to make it easier to excrete.

A class of drugs that bind to opioid receptors in the brain and nervous system, relieving pain and producing euphoria.

The study of how drugs affect the body, including their absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion.

A type of opioid receptor in the brain that is involved in regulating pain, mood, and reward.

A type of opioid receptor in the brain that is involved in regulating stress, anxiety, and motivation.

A type of opioid receptor in the brain that is involved in regulating pain, pleasure, and reward.

The process by which a drug is absorbed into the body, distributed throughout the body, metabolized (broken down), and eliminated.

The study of the effects of drugs on the body, how they work and their therapeutic effects.

A measure of how quickly a drug leaves the body.

The state of dependence on a substance and the unpleasant symptoms that occur when the substance is withdrawn.

The science of the brain and its functions.