Transcript Chapter_11

CHAPTER 11
Analgesic Drugs
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Analgesics
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Medications that relieve pain without causing
loss of consciousness
“Painkillers”
Opioids
NSAIDs
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Pain
Whatever the patient says it is
 Exists when the patient says it exists
 An unpleasant sensory and emotional
experience associated with actual or
potential tissue damage
 A personal and individual experience

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Nociception
Pain results from stimulation of sensory
nerve fibers called nociceptors
 These receptors transmit pain signals from
various body regions to the spinal cord and
brain

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Nociception (cont’d)
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Pain Threshold
Level of stimulus needed to produce the
perception of pain
 A measure of the physiologic response of
the nervous system
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Pain Tolerance
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The amount of pain a person can endure
without it interfering with normal function
Varies from person to person
Subjective response to pain, not a
physiologic function
Varies by attitude, environment, culture,
ethnicity
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Classification of Pain
by Onset and Duration
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Acute pain
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Sudden onset
Usually subsides once treated
Chronic pain
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Persistent or recurring
Lasts 3 to 6 months
Often difficult to treat
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Classification of Pain
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Somatic
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Referred
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Visceral
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Neuropathic
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Superficial
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Phantom
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Deep
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Cancer
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Vascular
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Central
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Pain Transmission Gate Theory
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Most common and well described
Uses the analogy of a gate to describe how
impulses from damaged tissues are sensed
in the brain
Many current pain management strategies
are aimed at altering this system
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Pain Transmission Gate Theory
(cont’d)
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Pain Transmission
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Tissue injury causes the release of:
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Bradykinin
 Histamine
 Potassium
 Prostaglandins
 Serotonin
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These substances stimulate nerve endings,
starting the pain process
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Pain Transmission (cont’d)
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Two types of nerves stimulated
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“A” fibers
“C” fibers
Types of pain related to proportion of
“A” to “C” fibers in damaged areas
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Pain Transmission (cont’d)
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These pain fibers enter the spinal cord
and travel up to the brain
The point of spinal cord entry or the “gate” is
the dorsal horn
This gate regulates the flow of sensory
impulses to the brain
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Pain Transmission (cont’d)
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Closing the gate stops the impulses
If no impulses are transmitted to higher
centers in the brain, there is no pain
perception
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Pain Transmission (cont’d)
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Activation of large-diameter “A” fibers closes
gate
Inhibits transmission to brain
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Limits perception of pain
Activation of small-diameter “C” fibers opens
gate
Allows impulse transmission to brain
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Pain perception
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Pain Transmission (cont’d)
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Gate innervated by nerve fibers from brain,
allowing the brain some control over gate
Allows brain to:
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Evaluate, identify, and localize pain
Control the gate before it is open
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Pain Transmission (cont’d)
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Body has endogenous neurotransmitters
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Enkephalins
Endorphins
Produced by body to fight pain
Bind to opioid receptors
Inhibit transmission of pain by closing gate
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Pain Transmission (cont’d)
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Rubbing a painful area with massage or
liniment stimulates large sensory fibers
Result
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Closes gate
Reduces pain sensation
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Treatment of Pain in Special
Situations
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PCA and “PCA by proxy”
Patient comfort vs. fear of drug addiction
Opioid tolerance
Use of placebos
Recognizing patients who are opioid tolerant
Breakthrough pain
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Adjuvant Drugs
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Assist primary drugs in relieving pain
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NSAIDs
Antidepressants
Anticonvulsants
Corticosteroids
Example: Adjuvant drugs for neuropathic pain
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Amitriptyline (antidepressant)
Gabapentin or pregabalin (anticonvulsants)
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Opioid Ceiling Effect
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Drug reaches a maximum analgesic effect
Analgesia does not improve, even with higher
doses
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pentazocine
nalbuphine
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Opioid Analgesics
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Pain relievers that contain opium, derived
from the opium poppy or chemically related to
opium
Very strong pain relievers
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Opioid Analgesics (cont’d)
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codeine sulfate
meperidine HCl (Demerol)
methadone HCl (Dolophine)
morphine sulfate
propoxyphene HCl
hydromorphone
oxycodone
fentanyl
Others
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Opioid Analgesics:
Mechanism of Action
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Three classifications based on their actions:
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Agonist
 Partial agonist
 Antagonist
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Agonists
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Bind to an opioid pain receptor in the brain
Cause an analgesic response (reduction of
pain sensation)
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Agonists-Antagonists
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Bind to a pain receptor
Cause a weaker neurologic response than a
full agonist
Also called partial agonist or mixed agonist
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Antagonists
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Reverse the effects of these drugs on pain
receptors
Bind to a pain receptor and exert no response
Also known as competitive antagonists
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Opioid Receptors
Five types of opioid receptors
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Mu*
Kappa*
Delta*
Sigma
Epsilon
*Primary receptors
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Opioid Analgesics:
Indications
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Main use: to alleviate moderate to severe
pain
Often given with adjuvant analgesic drugs to
assist primary drugs with pain relief
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Opioid Analgesics:
Indications (cont’d)
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Opioids are also used for:
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Cough center suppression
Treatment of diarrhea
Balanced anesthesia
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Opioid Analgesics:
Contraindications
Known drug allergy
 Severe asthma
Use with extreme caution if:
 Respiratory insufficiency
 Elevated intracranial pressure
 Morbid obesity
 Sleep apnea
 Paralytic ileus
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Opioid Analgesics:
Adverse Effects
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Euphoria
CNS depression
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Leads to respiratory depression
Most serious adverse effect
Nausea and vomiting
Urinary retention
Diaphoresis and flushing
Pupil constriction (miosis)
Constipation
Itching
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Opioids: Opioid Tolerance
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A common physiologic result of chronic opioid
treatment
Result: larger dose is required to maintain the
same level of analgesia
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Opioids: Physical Dependence
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Physiologic adaptation of the body to the
presence of an opioid
Opioid tolerance and physical dependence
are expected with long-term opioid treatment
and should not be confused with psychologic
dependence (addiction)
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Opioids: Psychologic
Dependence
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A pattern of compulsive drug use
characterized by a continued craving for
an opioid and the need to use the opioid
for effects other than pain relief
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Opioids
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Misunderstanding of these terms leads to
ineffective pain management and contributes
to the problem of undertreatment
Physical dependence is seen when the opioid
is abruptly discontinued or when an opioid
antagonist is administered
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Opioid withdrawal/opioid abstinence syndrome
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Toxicity and Management
of Overdose
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naloxone (Narcan)
naltrexone (Revia)
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These drugs bind to opiate receptors and prevent
a response
Used for complete or partial reversal of opioidinduced respiratory depression
Regardless of withdrawal symptoms,
when a patient experiences severe
respiratory depression, an opioid
antagonist should be given.
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Toxicity and Management
of Overdose (cont’d)
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Opioid withdrawal/opioid abstinence
syndrome
Manifested as:
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Anxiety, irritability, chills and hot flashes, joint
pain, lacrimation, rhinorrhea, diaphoresis, nausea,
vomiting, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, confusion
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Nonopioid Analgesics:
Acetaminophen
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Analgesic and antipyretic effects
Little to no antiinflammatory effects
Available over the counter and in
combination products with opioids
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Mechanism of Action
Similar to salicylates
 Blocks pain impulses peripherally by inhibiting
prostaglandin synthesis
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Indications
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Mild to moderate pain
Fever
Alternative for those who cannot take aspirin
products
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Toxicity and Managing Overdose
Even though available over the counter,
lethal when overdosed
 Overdose, whether intentional or resulting
from chronic unintentional misuse, causes
hepatic necrosis: hepatotoxicity
 Long-term ingestion of large doses also
causes nephropathy
 Recommended antidote: acetylcysteine
regimen
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Dosage
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Maximum daily dose for healthy adults is
4000 mg/day
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2000 mg for elderly or those with liver disease
Inadvertent excessive doses may occur
when different combination drug products
are taken together
 Be aware of the acetaminophen content of
all medications taken by the patient (overthe-counter and prescription)
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Interactions
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Dangerous interactions may occur if taken
with alcohol or other drugs that are
hepatotoxic
Should not be taken in the presence of
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Drug allergy
 Liver dysfunction
 Possible liver failure
 G-6-PD deficiency
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Herbal Products: Feverfew
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Related to the marigold family
Antiinflammatory properties
Used to treat migraine headaches, menstrual
cramps, inflammation, and fever
May cause GI distress, altered taste, muscle
stiffness
May interact with aspirin and other NSAIDs,
and anticoagulants
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Analgesics:
Nursing Implications
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Before beginning therapy, perform a thorough
history regarding allergies and use of other
medications, including alcohol, health history,
and medical history
Obtain baseline vital signs and I&O
Assess for potential contraindications and
drug interactions
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Analgesics:
Nursing Implications (cont’d)
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Perform a thorough pain assessment,
including pain intensity and character, onset,
location, description, precipitating and
relieving factors, type, remedies, and other
pain treatments
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Assessment of pain is now being considered a
“fifth vital sign”
Rate pain on a 0 to 10 or similar scale
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Analgesics:
Nursing Implications (cont’d)
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Be sure to medicate patients before the pain
becomes severe so as to provide adequate
analgesia and pain control
Pain management includes pharmacologic
and nonpharmacologic approaches; be sure
to include other interventions as indicated
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Analgesics:
Nursing Implications (cont’d)
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Patients should not take other medications or
over-the-counter preparations without
checking with their physician
Instruct patients to notify physician for signs
of allergic reaction or adverse effects
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Opioid Analgesics:
Nursing Implications
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Oral forms should be taken with food to
minimize gastric upset
Ensure safety measures, such as keeping
side rails up, to prevent injury
Withhold dose and contact physician if there
is a decline in the patient’s condition or if vital
signs are abnormal, especially if respiratory
rate is less than 10 to 12 breaths/min
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Opioid Analgesics:
Nursing Implications (cont’d)
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Check dosages carefully
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Follow proper administration guidelines for IM
injections, including site rotation
Follow proper guidelines for IV administration,
including dilution, rate of administration, and so
on
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Opioid Analgesics:
Nursing Implications (cont’d)
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Constipation is a common adverse effect and
may be prevented with adequate fluid and
fiber intake
Instruct patients to follow directions for
administration carefully and to keep a record
of their pain experience and response to
treatments
Patients should be instructed to change
positions slowly to prevent possible
orthostatic hypotension
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Monitor for Adverse Effects
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Contact physician immediately if vital signs
change, patient’s condition declines, or pain
continues
Respiratory depression may be manifested
by respiratory rate of less than 10
breaths/min, dyspnea, diminished breath
sounds, or shallow breathing
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Monitor for Therapeutic Effects
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Decreased complaints of pain
Decreased severity of pain
Increased periods of comfort
Improved activities of daily living, appetite,
and sense of well-being
Decreased fever (acetaminophen)
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