What are opioids?
Opioids are a group of medicines used to treat pain. An opioid is either a natural derivative of opium (for example, morphine) or a synthetic substance (for example, methadone, or buprenorphine). Opioids provide pain relief by acting on areas in the spinal cord and brain to block the transmission of pain signals.
They are considered to be some of the strongest pain relievers available and are used to treat pain after surgery, serious injury and cancer. Opioid drugs can help manage some, but not all, types of chronic pain. Opioids are grouped according to whether they treat mild-moderate or moderate-severe pain.
Weak opioids can be used in the treatment of mild-moderate pain if paracetamol and/or a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug ((NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or naproxen) have not worked. Examples of weak opioids include codeine, dihydrocodeine and tramadol. Codeine in low doses combined with paracetamol (called co-codamol) and dihydrocodeine in low doses combined with paracetamol (co-dydramol) are available to buy from community pharmacies. Stronger opioids are used to relieve moderate to severe pain when weaker pain medicines, such as paracetamol, NSAIDs or codeine, have not worked. They are used short term for pain after surgery, a heart attack or trauma, the dose is reduced as the pain eases. Examples of strong opioids include morphine, buprenorphine, fentanyl, hydromorphone, methadone or oxycodone.
