Use and rotation of opioids in chronic non-oncologic pain.
OBJECTIVE
Prolonged use of opioids is a possibility for chronic pain treatment. Opioids are effective for virtually all chronic noncancer pain syndromes, but may cause dependence. The aim of this paper is to review the use and rotation of opioids in chronic non-oncologic pain.


BACKGROUND
The use of potent opioids is controversial and not recommended as first-line drugs due to the possibility of dependence. The following topics are described: tolerance, addiction, risk factors for addiction, rotation or replacement, general administration rules, conversion tables, and tips for prescribing opioids.


CONCLUSIONS
Opioids are drugs with proven efficacy for chronic non-oncologic pain, but its prescription should meet certain criteria in order to reduce the incidence of adverse effects and addiction.
Universidade Federal da Bahia.
Durval Campos
DC
Kraychete
Rioko Kimiko
RK
Sakata
D000701:Analgesics, Opioid / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D059350:Chronic Pain / Q000188:drug therapy*; D057915:Drug Substitution; D006801:Humans; D059408:Pain Management / Q000379:methods*
D000701:Analgesics, Opioid