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Related Concept Videos

Analgesia and Pain Management01:25

Analgesia and Pain Management

Pain is critical to various clinical pathologies, provoking an urgent need for effective management. Pain, whether acute or chronic, is a complex neurochemical process. Its alleviation depends on the type, with nonopioid analgesics effective for mild to moderate pain, such as musculoskeletal or inflammatory pain, while neuropathic pain responds best to anticonvulsants, tricyclic antidepressants, or serotonin/norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors. For severe acute or chronic pain, opioids may be...
Opioid Receptors: Overview01:22

Opioid Receptors: Overview

Opioid receptors, including the mu (μ, MOR), delta (δ, DOR), and kappa (κ, KOR) types, belong to the rhodopsin family of G protein-coupled receptors. These receptors are located throughout the central and peripheral nervous systems and in non-neuronal tissues such as macrophages and astrocytes. Opioid receptor ligands can be categorized into agonists or antagonists. Highly selective agonists include [d-Ala2, MePhe4, Gly(ol)5]-enkephalin or DAMGO for MOR, [D-Pen2, D-Pen5]-enkephalin or DPDPE for...
Opioid Analgesics: Morphine and Other Natural Cogeners01:20

Opioid Analgesics: Morphine and Other Natural Cogeners

Opioids are a class of drugs that mimic endogenous opioid peptides and act on opioid receptors, and help in pain relief. These compounds are classified as natural, synthetic, or semi-synthetic. Natural opioids, like morphine, codeine, and thebaine, are derived from the opium poppy plant (Papaver somniferum or Papaver album) and are termed opiates. Synthetic opioids are artificial, while semi-synthetic opioids combine natural and synthetic compounds. Morphine, a prototypical opioid, possesses a...
Opioid Analgesics: Synthetic and Semisynthetic Opioids01:15

Opioid Analgesics: Synthetic and Semisynthetic Opioids

Synthetic and semisynthetic opioids are pivotal in pain management and tackling opioid addiction. Semisynthetic opioids, including morphinans (morphine derivatives), oxycodone, oxymorphone, hydrocodone, and hydromorphone, have improved pharmacokinetic profiles compared to morphine. Additionally, heroin and 6-MAM (6-Monoacetylmorphine) show better CNS penetration than morphine due to heightened lipid solubility. Hydromorphone, a potent opioid, undergoes hepatic metabolism to form the active...
Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting: Cannabinoids01:21

Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting: Cannabinoids

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is a phytocannabinoid that primarily interacts with the CB1 receptor, a type of G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) predominantly in and around the chemoreceptor trigger zone (CTZ) and emetic center. THC also blocks the serotonin receptor activity in the dorsal vagal complex (DVC) by inhibiting serotonin release. THC exerts its anti-emetic effects through these interactions, which are beneficial for patients undergoing chemotherapy.
Two synthetic agonists of THC,...
Pain01:20

Pain

Pain serves as a critical warning signal that alerts the body to potential or actual harm. When mechanical pressure on the skin is intense, such as from a sharp pinch, the sensation transitions from touch to pain. Similarly, extreme temperatures, like a hot pot handle, convert the sensation of heat into pain. Pain can also result from overstimulation of other senses, such as blinding light, loud noise, or the intense heat from habañero peppers. This ability to sense pain is essential for...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 27, 2026

Assessment of Morphine-induced Hyperalgesia and Analgesic Tolerance in Mice Using Thermal and Mechanical Nociceptive Modalities
07:23

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Cannabinoid-opioid interaction in chronic pain.

D I Abrams1, P Couey, S B Shade

  • 1Division of Hematology-Oncology, San Francisco General Hospital, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA. dabrams@hemeonc.ucsf.edu

Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics
|November 4, 2011
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Vaporized cannabis combined with opioids significantly reduced chronic pain by 27% without altering opioid levels. This cannabinoid-opioid synergy may enable lower opioid doses and fewer side effects.

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Area of Science:

  • Pharmacology
  • Pain Management
  • Cannabinoid Research

Background:

  • Opioids and cannabinoids share pharmacologic properties and may offer synergistic effects.
  • The pharmacokinetics and safety of combining cannabinoids with opioids in humans remain largely unknown.
  • Chronic pain management often involves opioids, which can have significant side effects.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the pharmacokinetic and safety profile of combining vaporized cannabis with sustained-release opioids in chronic pain patients.
  • To assess the impact of vaporized cannabis on opioid plasma concentrations and analgesic efficacy.
  • To determine if this combination therapy can enhance pain relief and potentially reduce opioid dosage.

Main Methods:

  • A 5-day inpatient study involving 21 individuals with chronic pain on sustained-release morphine or oxycodone.
  • Participants inhaled vaporized cannabis at specified intervals throughout the study.
  • Blood samples were collected to monitor opioid pharmacokinetics, and daily pain assessments were conducted.

Main Results:

  • Pharmacokinetic analysis showed no significant changes in plasma concentrations of morphine or oxycodone.
  • A significant average reduction in chronic pain of 27% was observed after the addition of vaporized cannabis.
  • No adverse events related to the combination were detailed, suggesting a potentially favorable safety profile.

Conclusions:

  • Vaporized cannabis effectively augments the analgesic effects of opioids in patients with chronic pain.
  • The combination of vaporized cannabis and opioids does not significantly alter plasma opioid levels.
  • This synergistic approach may allow for reduced opioid dosages, potentially leading to fewer opioid-related side effects.