The Pharmacology of Opioids (DRAFT)

This chapter focuses on the attributes of and component medications within the class of opioids, emphasizing kinetics, dynamics, and therapeutic and adverse effects. To help patients make informed decisions about opioid use, the clinicians prescribing these medications must be able to explain when opioids are likely to help and when they are likely to do harm. Subclasses of opioids include phenanthrenes, benzomorphans, phenylpiperidines, and diphenylheptanes; examples are given of each, with respective utilities and limitations. A discussion then follows of pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, opioid receptor affinity, metabolism, and drug interactions. Tables and figures amplifying the text include: opioid class by synthetic method (Table 8.1); common physiological effects by opioid receptor subtypes (Table 8.2); opioid activity (Table 8.3); and a listing of figures and tables located in Appendix B (opioid receptor affinity, respiratory depression with opioids, adverse effects, metabolism, pharmacogenetics, extended release/long-acting opioids, abuse deterrent formulations). A text box provides supplemental resources.