A narcotic agonist-antagonist (agonist) is an opioid narcotic mixed with nal-oxione (antagonist) to try to curb a form of drug misuse. Although the exact mechanism of action is unknown, these agents have both agonist and antagonist effects on the opioid receptors. Generally, these drugs are less potent and have a
Other Narcotic Analgesics of the Opium and Synthetic Group | |
Drug |
Purpose |
Codeine (sulfate, phosphate), CSS II |
For mild to moderate pain |
Hydromorphone HCl (Dilaudid) CSS II |
For severe pain |
Levorphanol tartrate (Levo-Dromoran) CSS II |
For moderate to severe pain |
Meperidine (Demerol) Synthetic narcotic CSS II |
For moderate pain |
Fentanyl (Duragesic, Sublimaze) CSS II |
Short-acting potent—used with short-term surgery; patches for controlling chronic pain |
Sufentanil (Duragesic, Sublimaze) CSS II |
Short-acting potent—used as part of balanced anesthesia |
Methadone (Dolophine) |
Similar to morphine but longer duration of action; used in drug abuse programs |
lower dependency potential than opioids and withdrawal symptoms are not as severe. Commonly used narcotic agonist-antagonists are Pentazocine (Talwin), Butorphanol tartrate (Stadol), duprenorphine (Buprenex), and nalbuphine hydrochloride (Nubain). Their pharmacokinetics, adverse, and side effects are similar to morphine.
See Narcotic Agonist-Antagonists listed in the Appendix. Detailed tables show doses, recommendations, expectations, side effects, contraindications, and more; available on the book's Web site (see URL in Appendix).
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