Analgesia Flashcards
(30 cards)
What constitutes simple analgesia?
Paracetamol
NSAIDs
How do you prescribe paracetamol?
1g QDS max dose
What are some cautions and contraindications to paracetamol?
Cautions:
Liver impairment
Severe cachexia
(reduce dose)
What are weak opioids?
Coedine
Dihydrocodeine
Tramadol
All have a ceiling effect on analgesia - can only be given so much in 24hrs so may not be enough opioid to control pain
MORE CARDS ON WEAK OPIOID PRESCRIPTION
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What are weak opioids?
Coedine (1/10th as potent as oral morphine)
Tramadol (1/10th as potent as oral morphine)
Dihydrocodeine
All have a ceiling effect on analgesia - can only be given so much in 24hrs so may not be enough opioid to control pain
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What are strong opioids?
Morphine
Diamorphine
Oxycodone (2x more potent than morphine)
Buprenorphine
Fentanyl (very strong - ? - dont start on it)
What do you need to consider before starting a strong opioid?
Comorbidities
Renal function
What forms can you get strong opioids in? (morphine + oxycodone)
Modified release - lasts 12hrs for background pain
Immediate release - lasts 4hrs for breakthrough pain
What forms can you get strong opioids in? (morphine + oxycodone)
Modified release - MR - lasts 12hrs for background pain
Immediate release - IR - lasts 4hrs for breakthrough pain
What are some other side effects of opioids?
Common: Constipation Nausea Sedation Dry mouth
Less frequent:
Psychomimetic effects
Confusion
Myoclonus
Rare:
Allergy
Resp depression
Pruritis
When should you prescribe opioid patches?
For stable opioid responsive pain
Indications:
Intolerable side effects
Oral route difficulties - dysphagia, non-compliance
Renal impairment
Takes 1-3 days to reach analgesic concentrations - do not use for acute pain
Apply to hairless, dry and non-inflamed skin
Avoid heat pads as increases rate of absorption - also be mindful when patients are hot e.g. fever/sepsis