Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 12, 2026
07:23
Assessment of Morphine-induced Hyperalgesia and Analgesic Tolerance in Mice Using Thermal and Mechanical Nociceptive Modalities
Published on: July 29, 2014
34.4K
Opioid therapy in chronic pain.
1Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, University of Washington, 1959 NE Pacific St, Seattle, WA 98195, USA.
Summary
Opioids are effective pain relievers but carry risks. This article discusses safe opioid use for chronic pain, balancing efficacy and safety concerns.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Pain Management
- Public Health
Background:
- Opioids are potent analgesics, crucial for severe acute and end-of-life pain.
- Historical caution exists regarding their use in chronic pain due to addiction and safety concerns.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present guidelines for the appropriate use of opioids in managing chronic pain.
- To address recent concerns about opioid efficacy and patient safety.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on opioid analgesics.
- Analysis of efficacy and safety data for chronic pain management.
- Consideration of historical perspectives and recent evidence.
Main Results:
- Opioids offer significant benefits for specific pain conditions.
- Risk management strategies are essential for safe opioid therapy.
- Careful patient selection and monitoring are key to effective chronic pain treatment.
Conclusions:
- Opioid therapy for chronic pain requires a nuanced approach.
- Balancing pain relief with potential harms is paramount.
- Evidence-based strategies can optimize opioid use in chronic pain.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Analgesia and Pain Management
3.1K
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...
3.1K
01:15Opioid Analgesics: Synthetic and Semisynthetic Opioids
1.5K
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...
1.5K
01:20Opioid Analgesics: Morphine and Other Natural Cogeners
1.6K
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...
1.6K
01:22Opioid Receptors: Overview
6.9K
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,...
6.9K
01:17Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Opioids as Antidiarrheal Agents
952
Diarrhea, a condition marked by frequent loose or watery bowel movements, can be triggered by multiple factors such as viral or bacterial infections, food intolerances, anxiety, medications, and digestive disorders. Symptoms may include abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, and cramping. Severe or prolonged diarrhea can lead to complications like electrolyte imbalances, malnutrition, and dehydration if left untreated.
Opioids, widely used antidiarrheal agents, mitigate diarrhea by slowing down...
Opioids, widely used antidiarrheal agents, mitigate diarrhea by slowing down...
952
01:29Chronic Pancreatitis II: Collaborative Care
517
The management of chronic pancreatitis is multifaceted, involving a comprehensive approach that includes thorough assessment, diagnostic testing, and a variety of management strategies.
Assessment:
Assessment:
517