Is the Fear of Respiratory Depression with Opioids Justified? (TH371D)

Most opioids follow first-order kinetics. Maximum pain relief and risk of side-effects for a given dose occurs at maximum plasma concentration (Cmax). For most intravenous (IV) opioids, the time to Cmax (Tmax) in the pharmacokinetic literature ranges from 6-15 minutes. To ensure safety, we advocate dosing most IV opioids no more frequently than every 15 minutes (Q15min) as needed (PRN).

Source: Journal of Pain and Symptom Management - January 25, 2020 Category: Palliative Care Authors: Jessica Geiger-Hayes, Britni Lookabaugh, Frank Ferris Source Type: research