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Pharmacotherapy of opioids: present and future developments

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Abstract

The clinically available opiolds have different physicochemical properties, resulting in differences in clinical profile with regard to potency, onset, and duration of activity. However, they all have comparable side-effects after acute systemic application. Several approaches can be used to overcome these side-effects. The following approaches, with special emphasis on the perioperative use of the opioids, are discussed: (1) the use of alternative routes of administration, such as via the spine (epidurally and intrathecally); (2) optimization of opioid delivery by means of slow-release preparations, chronic infusions with indwelling catheters, and transdermal delivery systems; (3) use of additional agents to potentiate the analgesic properties of the oploids so that the dose of oploid can be reduced; and (4) searching for new analgesics on the basis of knowledge of the pain-transmission system and the different opioid receptors with their functional interactions.

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  1. Department of Neuropsychopharmacology, Janssen Research Foundation, 2340, Beerse, Belgium

    T. F. Meert

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Meert, T.F. Pharmacotherapy of opioids: present and future developments. Pharm World Sci 18, 1–15 (1996). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00449683

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