Opioids, Benzodiazepines, and Induction Agents Overview

These flashcards cover key concepts related to opioids, benzodiazepines, and induction agents as outlined in the provided lecture notes.

Opioids

Psychoactive drugs that include natural and synthetic substances like morphine and heroin, used for pain relief.

Benzodiazepines

A class of medications that act as central nervous system depressants, enhancing the effects of the neurotransmitter GABA.

Induction Agents

Medications used to initiate anesthesia by inducing unconsciousness in patients.

GABA Receptors

Receptors that bind gamma-aminobutyric acid, a neurotransmitter that inhibits brain activity and is involved in the effects of benzodiazepines.

Neuraxial Analgesia

Pain relief technique that involves injecting opioids into the epidural or intrathecal space.

Morphine

The prototype opioid used for comparison with other opioids, effective for both visceral and somatic pain.

Naloxone (Narcan)

An opioid antagonist used to reverse the effects of opioid overdose.

Fentanyl

A synthetic opioid that is 100 times more potent than morphine, used for pain relief.

Barbiturates

A class of drugs derived from barbituric acid, used primarily for inducing anesthesia and having sedative effects.

Ketamine

A dissociative anesthetic that induces unconsciousness while preserving respiratory function.

Hydromorphone

A semi-synthetic opioid derived from morphine, noted for its potency and shorter duration of action.

Meperidine (Demerol)

A synthetic opioid less potent than morphine, used for pain relief but with potential for seizures in accumulation.

Propofol

An induction agent used for anesthesia, known for rapid recovery and antiemetic properties.

Sufentanil

An ultra-potent synthetic opioid used in anesthesia, significantly more potent than fentanyl.

Side Effects of Opioids

Include sedation, respiratory depression, and constipation.

Adverse Effects of Benzodiazepines

May include sedation, amnesia, dependence, and withdrawal symptoms.

Mydriasis

Dilation of the pupils, which can occur with the use of meperidine.

Competitive Inhibition

A mechanism by which opioid antagonists like naloxone work by binding to opioid receptors without activating them.

Analgesia

The relief from pain, which can be provided by various classes of medications including opioids and induction agents.