ABSTRACT
This chapter describes trade name, classification, approved indications for psychological disorders, available dosage forms, storage, and compatibility, usual dosage and administration, relative contraindications, and clinically significant drug interactions of Opiate analgesics. Mixed opiate agonist/antagonist analgesics may precipitate the opiate analgesic withdrawal syndrome among patients who are addicted to pure opiate agonist analgesics. Opiate analgesics cross the placental barrier. Thus, their use during labor and delivery may result in drowsiness, lethargy, or other expected pharmacologic actions among neonates. Opiate analgesics have been detected in breast milk in amounts that can result in expected pharmacologic actions and addiction among breast-fed infants. Initially prescribe lower dosages of opiate analgesics, or longer dosing intervals, for elderly, frail, or debilitated patients. Increase the dosage gradually according to individual patient response. Children younger than 2 years of age may be sensitive to the pharmacologic actions of opiate analgesics, particularly CNS depression, respiratory depression, and constipation.
