title: Opioids and other analgesics. Adverse effects in the intensive care unit.
abstract: Analgesics are an important component of care for critically ill patients. The agents available--opioids, anesthetics, and NSAIDs--are efficacious, but each is capable of inducing a variety of adverse effects. Many adverse effects associated with opioid use can be minimized with the use of anticipatory measures. Anesthetic agents and NSAIDs offer less effect on cardiovascular and respiratory function than opioids, but are not without adverse effects. A thorough understanding of analgesic-associated adverse effects and drug interactions, as well as methods for anticipating and monitoring them, can help to minimize their effect on the ICU patient.
authors.affiliation: University of Virginia, Children's Medical Center, Charlottesville.
authors.forename: M L
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Buck
authors.forename: J L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Blumer
mesh_terms: D000700:Analgesics / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003422:Critical Care; D004347:Drug Interactions; D006801:Humans; D007362:Intensive Care Units; D007649:Ketamine / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D009294:Narcotics / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D000700:Analgesics; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D009294:Narcotics; D007649:Ketamine