Opioids: Difference between revisions
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'''Opioids''', broadly defined, are molecules that bind to the ligand-binding pocket of opioid receptors. These include morphine, endorphins, fentanyl and many other legal or illegal drugs. Sometimes, opioids are distinguished from opiates, drugs that are derived from opium by purification and sometimes modification. Opioids acting as agonists when bound to opioid receptors may be used | '''Opioids''', broadly defined, are molecules that bind to the ligand-binding pocket of opioid receptors. These include morphine, endorphins, fentanyl and many other legal or illegal drugs. Sometimes, opioids are distinguished from opiates, drugs that are derived from opium by purification and sometimes modification. Opioids acting as agonists when bound to opioid receptors may be used to treat pain, but have other effects and side-effects. Opioids such as naloxone acting as antagonists, on the other hand, prevent agonists from binding and turn off the receptor. All opioid receptor agonists are addictive, and can lead to death by overdosing. | ||
== Chemistry == | == Chemistry == | ||
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== Pharmacology == | == Pharmacology == | ||
Different opioids are more or less potent depending on how fast and at what concentration they reach the receptor, how strongly they bind and how quickly they are degraded (pharmacokinetics). The mode of administration (e.g. oral, intra-nasal, sublingual, inhalation, intravenous, epidural, inter-cerebral) influences the pharmacokinetics, as does the water/lipid solubility and the acid/base properties of the opioid. The effects a specific opioid has (pharmacodynamics) depends on the selectivity of the opioid for the different types of opioid receptors and on differential ways of "turning on" the receptors, which have more than one "on" state. | Different opioids are more or less potent depending on how fast and at what concentration they reach the receptor, how strongly they bind and how quickly they are degraded (pharmacokinetics). The mode of administration (e.g. oral, intra-nasal, sublingual, inhalation, intravenous, epidural, inter-cerebral) influences the pharmacokinetics, as does the water/lipid solubility and the acid/base properties of the opioid. The effects a specific opioid has (pharmacodynamics) depends on the selectivity of the opioid for the different types of opioid receptors and on differential ways of "turning on" the receptors, which have more than one "on" state. | ||
== Tolerance and addiction == | == Tolerance and addiction == | ||
