What are examples of opioid medications, such as Morphine (opioid analgesic) and Codeine (opioid analgesic)?

From the Guidelines

Opioid medications for pain management include morphine, oxycodone, hydrocodone, codeine, fentanyl, methadone, hydromorphone, oxymorphone, tramadol, and buprenorphine, with dosages varying based on the specific medication, patient characteristics, pain severity, and opioid tolerance. These medications work by binding to opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord, blocking pain signals and producing feelings of euphoria 1.

Key Considerations

• The use of opioids should be carefully considered due to the risks of respiratory depression, physical dependence, addiction, and potential for overdose 1.
• Non-opioid pain management strategies should be considered first or alongside opioid therapy whenever possible 1.
• When discontinuing opioids, doses should be tapered gradually to avoid withdrawal symptoms 1.

Medication Examples

• Morphine is often considered the standard preferred starting drug for opioid-naïve patients, with an initial oral dose of 5 to 15 mg of oral short-acting morphine sulfate or equivalent recommended 1.
• Fentanyl is a highly lipid-soluble opioid that can be administered via various routes, including parenteral, spinal, transdermal, transmucosal, buccal, and intranasal routes 1.
• Methadone has unique pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties and should only be prescribed as a first- or second-line opioid by experienced clinicians 1.

Patient Factors

• Patients with genetic polymorphism of CYP2D6 may have reduced or no analgesic effects from codeine 1.
• Patients with renal dysfunction may require adjustment of opioid doses to avoid accumulation of toxic metabolites 1.
• Patients with moderate to severe renal dysfunction or on dialysis may benefit from the use of buprenorphine or fentanyl 1.

From the FDA Drug Label

Drug Name: morphine (PO) Drug Name: oxycodone (PO) The opioid medication examples are:

• Morphine
• Oxycodone 2, 3

From the Research

Opioid Medication Examples

• Opioids are a class of drugs that are used to treat pain, and they can be classified into different types, including:
  • Opiates, such as morphine and codeine 4
  • Semi-synthetic opioids, such as heroin, hydrocodone, oxycodone, and buprenorphine 4
  • Fully synthetic opioids, such as tramadol, fentanyl, and methadone 4
• Some specific examples of opioid medications include:
  • Buprenorphine, which is available in transdermal and sublingual formulations 5
  • Fentanyl, which is available in transdermal formulation 5
  • Hydromorphone, which is a potent opioid analgesic 5
  • Methadone, which is used for pain management and has a unique mechanism of action 6
  • Morphine, which is a commonly used opioid for cancer pain management 5
  • Oxycodone, which is a semisynthetic derivative of thebaine and has been used for over 100 years 7

Uses of Opioid Medications

• Opioids are used to treat various types of pain, including:
  • Cancer pain 5
  • Noncancer pain, such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis 5
  • Neuropathic pain, such as postherpetic neuralgia 5
• Opioids can be used in different formulations, including:
  • Oral formulations, such as tablets and capsules 6
  • Transdermal formulations, such as patches 5
  • Injectable formulations, such as intravenous and intramuscular injections 6

Safety and Efficacy of Opioid Medications

• Opioids can have serious side effects, including:
  • Respiratory depression 5
  • Immunosenescence, which is associated with increased morbidity and mortality from infectious diseases, autoimmune diseases, and cancer 5
• The safety and efficacy of opioids can vary depending on the specific medication and patient population, and healthcare providers should carefully consider these factors when prescribing opioids 5, 4, 6, 7