Opioid and non-opioid analgesics.
Opioids are the most potent analgesics. Toxicity results either from effects mediated by variation in affinity and intrinsic efficacy at specific opioid receptors or, rarely, from a direct toxic effect of the drugs. For some adverse effects, opioids exhibit a 'dual pharmacology' whereby these effects are usually observed only in pain-free individuals, and are not seen in patients in pain. Paracetamol, although generally very safe in therapeutic doses, displays potentially fatal toxicity in overdose requiring specific treatment. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are known to act by inhibiting COX-1 and COX-2 isoenzymes to various degrees. Toxicity arises primarily from undesired inhibition at these enzyme sites. Knowledge of the mechanism of action of these drugs is fundamental to the understanding of their potential for toxicity, the details of which are still emerging.
Anaesthesia in Pharmacology, University of Western Australia, MRF Building, Royal Perth Hospital, GPO Box X2213, Perth WA 6847, Australia.
Stephan A
SA
Schug
William Robert
WR
Garrett
Gail
G
Gillespie
D000082:Acetaminophen / Q000009:adverse effects; D018712:Analgesics, Non-Narcotic / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000701:Analgesics, Opioid / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000818:Animals; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000009:adverse effects; D006439:Hemodynamics / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D007668:Kidney / Q000187:drug effects; D008099:Liver / Q000187:drug effects; D012119:Respiration / Q000187:drug effects
D018712:Analgesics, Non-Narcotic; D000701:Analgesics, Opioid; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D000082:Acetaminophen