Opioids in clinical practice

The treatment of pain improves quality of life. Opioids are commonly prescribed painkillers. The side effects of opioids depend on the route of administration, dosage, drug metabolism, comorbid diseases and the patient’s general condition. Despite many beneficial effects, opioids can lead to increased mortality in heart failure, myocardial infarction, pulmonary oedema, and COPD. This article reviews specific uses of opioid medications. Opioids induce immunosuppression, and may undergo drug-drug interactions, especially during polytherapy or polypragmasia.