Drug Abuse of Heroin and Other Opioids

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42 slides .ppt

document in english

medical studies

presentation

published 20/07/2007

review : not yet assessed

level : General public

requested 2 times

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Summary

Opioids, including naturally occurring alkaloids (opiates derived from the poppy plant Papaver somniferum), semisynthetic compounds (chemically altered alkaloids), and synthetic agents, are potent analgesics and produce an intense euphoria associated with nausea; drowsiness; miosis; and a decrease in respiration, pulse, and blood pressure. Opioids also are valued for their calming, antitussive, and antidiarrheal properties. Depending on the particular effect on opioid cell membrane receptors, they may be classified as agonists (morphine, heroin, methadone), partial agonists-antagonists (buprenorphine), or antagonists (naloxone, naltrexone). These drugs have led to many medical complications because of their abuse potential and their parenteral route of administration.