Oxymorphone (Oxymorphone)
Overview of Oxymorphone
Oxymorphone is a semi-synthetic opioid substitute for morphine. It is a potent analgesic. Opioid analgesics exert their principal pharmacologic effects on the CNS and the gastrointestinal tract. The principal actions of therapeutic value are analgesia and sedation. Opioids produce respiratory depression by direct action on brain stem respiratory centers. The mechanism of respiratory depression involves a reduction in the responsiveness of the brain stem respiratory centers to increases in carbon dioxide tension and to electrical stimulation.,Oxymorphone hydrochloride, a phenanthrene derivative, is an opioid analgesic with actions and uses similar to those of morphine, apart from a lack of cough suppressant activity. Oxymorphone is used in the treatment of moderate to severe pain, including pain in obstetrics, and is reported to provide analgesia for 3 to 6 hours.
Indication of Oxymorphone
Oxymorphone is primarily indicated in conditions like Moderate to severe pain, and can also be given in adjunctive therapy as an alternative drug of choice in Adjunct to anesthesia, Dyspnoea, Preoperative use.
Contraindication of Oxymorphone
Oxymorphone is contraindicated in conditions like Asthma,Paralytic ileus,Respiratory depression,Pulmonary edema,Hypersensitivity to the drug.
Side Effects of Oxymorphone
The severe or irreversible adverse effects of Oxymorphone, which give rise to further complications include Allergic reactions, Seizures, Muscle twitching, Dizziness.,The signs and symptoms that are produced after the acute overdosage of Oxymorphone include Respiratory depression, Respiratory depression, Mydriasis, Cardiac arrest, Anorexia, Perspiration, Lacrimation, Insomnia.,The symptomatic adverse reactions produced by Oxymorphone are more or less tolerable and if they become severe, they can be treated symptomatically, these include Dizziness, Constipation, Dry mouth, Itching, Nausea and vomiting, Light headedness.
Precautions of Oxymorphone
Oxymorphone should be used with caution in elderly and debilitated patients and in patients who are known to be sensitive to central nervous system depressants, such as those with cardiovascular, pulmonary, renal or hepatic disease. Caution should also be exercised in patients with hypothyroidism, acute alcoholism, delirium tremens, convulsive disorders, Addison's disease, gallbladder disease or gallstones, prostatic hypertrophy or urethral stricture, recent gastrointestinal or genitourinary tract surgery, inflammatory bowel disease, diarrhea secondary to poisoning until the toxin is eliminated, diarrhea secondary to pseudomembranous colitis, cardiac arrhythmias, increased ocular pressure, and toxic psychosis. Debilitated and elderly patients and those with severe liver disease should receive smaller doses of Oxymorphone. Withdrawal side effects may be precipitated by suddenly stopping this drug after prolonged use (regular use for several weeks or more). The medication should be gradually reduced before completely discontinuing use. Elderly patients are more sensitive to opioid analgesics, especially the respiratory depressant effects and opioid induced urinary retention. Lower doses or longer dosing intervals may be required. Orthostatic hypotension may occur with the use of this medication, especially in ambulatory patients. Patients should get up slowly from a lying or sitting position. Oxymorphone may be habit forming and has the potential for being abused. Tolerance, psychological and physical dependence can occur. Safe use in pregnancy has not been established. Prolonged use of opioid analgesics during pregnancy may cause fetal-neonatal physical dependence, and neonatal withdrawal may occur.