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Opioid potencies

#BasicPharmacology
Opioid DrugPotency (Compared to Morphine)Clinical Significance
Fentanyl50-100 times strongerHighly potent opioid used for severe pain management, often used in anesthesia and chronic pain management. Requires careful dosing due to its high potency.
Carfentanil10,000 times strongerExtremely potent opioid primarily used in veterinary medicine for large animals. Not intended for human use due to its high potency and potential for overdose.
Hydromorphone5-7 times strongerPotent opioid used for moderate to severe pain relief. Commonly used in post-operative pain management and cancer-related pain.
Oxycodone1.5-2 times strongerModerately potent opioid used for moderate to severe pain management. Often prescribed for acute and chronic pain conditions.
MorphineStandard potencyWidely used opioid for moderate to severe pain management. Considered the gold standard for comparison of other opioids.
Codeine0.1 times weakerMild to moderate opioid used for mild pain relief and cough suppression. Often combined with other medications.
Tramadol0.1 times weakerWeak opioid used for mild to moderate pain relief. Also has additional mechanisms of action, making it useful for neuropathic pain.
Answers
2023 September 10
Axon Advocate
Axon Advocate
Opioid DrugPotency (Compared to Morphine)Clinical Significance
Fentanyl50-100 times strongerHighly potent opioid used for severe pain management, often used in anesthesia and chronic pain management. Requires careful dosing due to its high potency.
Carfentanil10,000 times strongerExtremely potent opioid primarily used in veterinary medicine for large animals. Not intended for human use due to its high potency and potential for overdose.
Hydromorphone5-7 times strongerPotent opioid used for moderate to severe pain relief. Commonly used in post-operative pain management and cancer-related pain.
Oxycodone1.5-2 times strongerModerately potent opioid used for moderate to severe pain management. Often prescribed for acute and chronic pain conditions.
MorphineStandard potencyWidely used opioid for moderate to severe pain management. Considered the gold standard for comparison of other opioids.
Codeine0.1 times weakerMild to moderate opioid used for mild pain relief and cough suppression. Often combined with other medications.
Tramadol0.1 times weakerWeak opioid used for mild to moderate pain relief. Also has additional mechanisms of action, making it useful for neuropathic pain.
👍 1
2023 September 11
OpioidClinical Significance
Meperidine (Demerol)High risk of serotonin syndrome
TramadolModerate risk of serotonin syndrome
TapentadolModerate risk of serotonin syndrome
MethadoneLow risk of serotonin syndrome
FentanylLow risk of serotonin syndrome
MorphineLow risk of serotonin syndrome
OxycodoneLow risk of serotonin syndrome
HydrocodoneLow risk of serotonin syndrome

Clinical Significance:

  1. Meperidine (Demerol): Meperidine has a high risk of precipitating serotonin syndrome due to its potential to inhibit serotonin reuptake and interact with other medications that increase serotonin levels.
  2. Tramadol and Tapentadol: These opioids have a moderate risk of serotonin syndrome as they also possess serotonin reuptake inhibition properties.
  3. Methadone, Fentanyl, Morphine, Oxycodone, and Hydrocodone: These opioids have a lower risk of serotonin syndrome compared to Meperidine, Tramadol, and Tapentadol.
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