Opioids

Class at a glance

• Mu-opioid agonism → analgesia + reward

Pharmacology

• Full agonists differ mainly in PK/potency

Clinical role

• Reserve for pain when benefits exceed harms

Safety / monitoring

• Respiratory depression is lethal toxicity
• Constipation + tolerance + dependence expected
• Fentanyl/methadone have major special risks
• Do not equate physical dependence with OUD

Self-check

• Which opioids have major special risks?
  Fentanyl and methadone.
• What is the lethal toxicity of opioids?
  Respiratory depression.

Drugs in this class (32)

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