Opioids: Overview, Uses and Management of Acute and Chronic Pain

A Peer-Reviewed Publication Written by Dr. Nicholas B. Hill

Abstract

Opioids are among the world's oldest known drugs used in acute, chronic and palliative care. Pain is treatable in patients with the correct understanding of physiology and its triggers. Opioids play a major and important role in management of pain. Understanding opioids as well as alternative medications that are non-narcotic dependent can help any practitioner manage their patients more effectively and safely. Patients undergoing surgical procedures of any type may require pain medicine and more so than not an opioid is the recommended choice. The last thing a physician should ever do is not adequately control a patient's pain post operatively and in today's world, many patients are already taking high doses of opioids to control other ailments. Given the extensiveness of areas encompassing pain, opioids and management, this educational course will provide a clear understanding and a multimodal approach for treating pain.

Educational Objectives

At the conclusion of this educational activity participants will be able to:

1. Discuss opioid agnostics and antagonists.

2. Describe the pharmacokinetics of opioids.

3. Discuss the mechanisms of pain.

4. Identify opioid dependence and screening for narcotic abuse and screening for narcotic abuse.

5. Ensure safe prescribing methods in your practice.

To view this course in its entirety, please click here