NARCOT IC ANALGESICS
Narcotic analgesics are known as narcotic agonists, and act on the central nerv-
ous system to provide relief from moderate and severe pain. Narcotic analgesics
are also used to suppress coughing by acting on the respiratory and cough cen-
ters in the medulla of the brain stem.
Opioids are a category of narcotic analgesics. All relieve pain and all, except
meperidine (Demerol), have an antitussive (cough suppression) and antidiar-
rheal effect.
See Narcotic agonist-opiate analgesic and Opioid agonist listed in the Appendix.
Detailed tables show doses, recommendations, expectations, side effects, con-
traindications, and more; available on the book’s Web site (see URL in Appendix).NARCOT IC AGONIST-ANTAGONISTS
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(^310) CHAPTER 16 Narcotic Agonists
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