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ShareAn opioid is any agent that binds to opioid receptors, found principally in the central nervous system and gastrointestinal tract.
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There are four broad classes of opioids: endogenous opioid peptides, produced in the body; opium alkaloids, such as morphine (the prototypical opioid) and codeine; semi-synthetic opioids such as heroin and oxycodone; and fully synthetic opioids such as pethidine and methadone that have structures unrelated to the opium alkaloids.
Opioids have long been used to treat acute pain (such as post-operative pain).
They have also found to be invaluable in palliative care to alleviate the severe, chronic, disabling pain of terminal conditions such as cancer.
Very high doses are often required in palliation to improve the patients' terminal quality-of-life.
For more information about the topic Opioid drug, read the full article at Wikipedia.org, or see the following related articles:
Narcotic — A narcotic is an addictive drug that reduces pain, induces sleep and may alter mood or behaviour. In US legal context, narcotic refers to opium, ... > read more
Alkaloid — An alkaloid is a nitrogenous organic molecule that has a pharmacological effect on humans and animals. The name derives from the word alkaline; ... > read more
Chronic pain — Chronic pain was originally defined as pain that has lasted 6 months or longer. It is now defined as pain that persists longer than the normal course ... > read more
Opium poppy — The opium poppy, Papaver somniferum, is the type of poppy from which opium and all refined opiates such as morphine (up to 20%), thebaine (5%), ... > read more
Anesthesia — Anesthesia or anaesthesia (see spelling differences), has traditionally meant the process of blocking the perception of pain and other sensations. ... > read moreEditor's Note: This article is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
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