Analgesics, Opioid: Precautions

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More about Analgesics, Opioid: Definition Purpose Recommended dosage Precautions Side effects Interactions

Anyone who uses opioid analgesics—or any narcotic—over a long time may become physically or mentally dependent on the drug. Physical dependence may lead to withdrawal symptoms when the person stops taking the medicine. Building tolerance to these drugs is also possible when they are used for a long period. Over time, the body needs larger and larger doses to relieve pain.

Take these drugs exactly as directed. Never take more than the recommended dose, and do not take the drugs more often than directed. If the drugs do not seem to be working, consult your physician. Do not share these or any other prescription drugs with others because the drug may have a completely different effect on the person for whom it was not prescribed.

Children and older people are especially sensitive to opioid analgesics and may have serious breathing problems after taking them. Children may also become unusually restless or agitated when given these drugs.

Opioid analgesics increase the effects of alcohol. Anyone taking these drugs should not drink alcoholic beverages.

Some of these drugs may also contain aspirin, caffeine, or acetaminophen. Refer to the entries on each of these drugs for additional precautions.

People with certain medical conditions or who are taking certain other medicines can have problems if they take opioid analgesics. Before taking these drugs, be sure to let the physician know about any of these conditions.

ALLERGIES. Let the physician know about any allergies to foods, dyes, preservatives, or other substances and about any previous reactions to opioid analgesics.

PREGNANCY. Women who are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while taking opioid analgesics should let their physicians know. No evidence exists that these drugs cause birth defects in people, but some do cause birth defects and other problems when given to pregnant animals in experiments. Babies can become dependent on opioid analgesics if their mothers use too much during pregnancy. This can cause the baby to go through withdrawal symptoms after birth. If taken just before delivery, some opioid analgesics may cause serious breathing problems in the newborn.

BREAST FEEDING. Some opioid analgesics can pass into breast milk. Women who are breast feeding should check with their physicians about the safety of taking these drugs.

OTHER MEDICAL CONDITIONS. These conditions may influence the effects of opioid analgesics:

• head injury. The effects of some opioid analgesics may be stronger and may interfere with recovery in people with head injuries.
• history of convulsions. Some of these drugs may trigger convulsions.
• asthma, emphysema, or any chronic lung disease
• heart disease
• kidney disease
• liver disease
• underactive thyroid. The chance of side effects may be greater.
• addison's disease (a disease of the adrenal glands)
• colitis
• gallbladder disease or gallstones. Side effects can be dangerous in people with these conditions.
• enlarged prostate or other urinary problems
• current or past alcohol abuse
• current or past drug abuse, especially narcotic abuse
• current or past emotional problems. The chance of side effects may be greater.

USE OF CERTAIN MEDICINES. Taking opioid narcotics with certain other drugs may increase the chances of serious side effects.

— Nancy Ross-Flanigan