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Basic Opioid Pharmacology - An Update.

Arul James1, John Williams2,3

  • 1Leicester General Hospital, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester, UK.

British Journal of Pain
|June 16, 2020
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Opioids are analgesics acting on classical opioid receptors (MOP, DOP, KOP) and the NOP receptor. Understanding opioid classification and opioid use disorder (OUD) is crucial, especially given the US national emergency declaration in 2017.

Keywords:
Opioid pharmacologyanalgesicsopioid classificationopioid receptorsopioid use disorderpharmacokinetics

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Area of Science:

  • Pharmacology
  • Neuroscience
  • Addiction Medicine

Background:

  • Opioids are widely used analgesics with diverse origins (alkaloids, semi-synthetic, synthetic).
  • Classical opioid receptors (MOP, DOP, KOP) and the NOP receptor form the opioid receptor family.
  • Cellular effects involve G-protein-coupled receptors leading to hyperpolarization upon agonist binding.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide a comprehensive overview of opioid classification and their receptor interactions.
  • To highlight the significance of opioid use disorder (OUD) as a growing public health concern.
  • To draw lessons from the opioid epidemic in the United States.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of opioid pharmacology and receptor interactions.
  • Classification of opioids based on synthesis and receptor binding.
  • Analysis of the opioid use disorder (OUD) crisis and its implications.

Main Results:

  • Opioids modulate pain via MOP, DOP, KOP, and NOP receptors.
  • Opioids are categorized into alkaloids, semi-synthetic, and synthetic compounds.
  • Opioid use disorder (OUD) represents a significant challenge, exemplified by the US national emergency in 2017.

Conclusions:

  • A thorough understanding of opioid types and their mechanisms is essential for clinical practice.
  • The rise of opioid use disorder (OUD) necessitates urgent attention and effective management strategies.
  • Lessons from the US opioid epidemic can inform global responses to prevent and treat OUD.