Opioids in clinical practice

Abstract

Opioid use in clinical practice has changed significantly since they were first introduced. Liberal prescribing of opioids has contributed to the opioid crisis. Recent efforts in reducing opioid-related harms have resulted in the curbing of opioid prescriptions, yet deaths continue to increase. Clinicians should be aware of the mechanism of action and the pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic differences between various types and formulations of opioids. These differences inform how each opioid is best used in various clinical scenarios. The benefits of opioid administration should be weighed against the risks of opioid-related harms. Clinicians should be familiar with strategies of opioid use in acute and chronic pain settings to optimize pain outcomes for children.