Written by/Si Qian, a clinical pharmacist specializing in oncology in Zhengzhou People’s Hospital
Review/Xiong Chaogang, professional clinical pharmacist in anti-infection, Xi’an Chest Hospital
Review/Zhao Ning, Deputy Chief Pharmacist, Peking University First Hospital
New Media Editor/Li Yunfeng
Graphic editor/Chen Yongjie
A few days ago, a car accident in the urban area of Handan, Hebei Province, was hotly searched on the Internet. The car accident caused 10 injuries and 4 deaths. The police report showed that the suspect was involved in a car accident due to an overdose of a prescription pain reliever. Many netizens questioned an analgesic prescription drug in the report, believing that the suspect was a “drug driver”. So what is the difference between prescription pain relievers and drugs?
▲The scene of the car accident (picture source/CCTV)
First, let’s look at the classification of analgesics: Analgesics are simply divided into non-opioid prescription drugs and opioid prescription drugs.
Non-opioid analgesics include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and neuropathic pain medications, among which non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs include ibuprofen, indomethacin, diclofenac, etc. These unilateral drugs on the market are basically over-the-counter drugs, and there is no risk of addiction when used for a long time, and no side effects such as drowsiness or respiratory depression that affect driving or mechanical operation.
▲Ibuprofen is a commonly used over-the-counter analgesic drug (picture source/Science China)
The commonly used drugs for neuropathic pain are pregabalin, gabapentin, etc. These drugs are prescription drugs. Under normal usage and dosage, there are adverse reactions such as dizziness and drowsiness. Overdose may cause Drowsiness, confusion, and even coma have been reported in cases. Generally, dizziness and drowsiness appear within a short period of time after starting use, and long-term use is generally tolerated.
Opioid analgesics currently available in oral dosage form include: morphine, oxycodone, methadone, tramadol, etc. Such drugs are specially administered by the state and are divided into narcotic drugs and psychotropic drugs. Drowsiness, respiratory depression and even irrational use may lead to drug dependence during taking. If such medicines are properly managed and used, they can play their inherent role in preventing and curing diseases; on the contrary, if they are improperly managed and used, they will not only endanger the physical and mental health of the people, but also harm the society. At present, such drugs in my country can only be prescribed by a doctor, and there are strict restrictions on the course of treatment each time they are prescribed. Under normal circumstances, they will not flow into the society and cause abuse. In everyone’s cognition, such drugs are often equated with drugs.
▲Analgesic prescription drug compound tramadol has become a new type of drug (Photo source/Popular Science China)
So are opioid pain relievers really drugs? The definition of drugs in the Anti-Drug Law (Draft) is: opium, heroin, methamphetamine (ice), morphine, marijuana, cocaine, and other narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances that are controlled by the state and can cause addiction. It can be seen that most opioid painkillers belong to the category of drugs, which are addictive and become drugs once abused. However, these drugs are also painkillers used for a long time by patients with severe pain, especially cancer pain. Reasonable use under the guidance of a doctor will not cause addiction or abuse. Drugs) behavior, need to be given correct guidance and strictly managed to avoid drug abuse causing serious harm to individuals and society.
References:
1. Regulations on the Administration of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances
2. Drug Administration Law of the People’s Republic of China
3. Draft Anti-Drug Law
4. “NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines for Adult Cancer Pain”
Hot Video Recommendations
Pharmaceutical Network & Beijing Science and Technology News Zone
Pharmaceuticals.com reprints articles | Share with friends | Reprint please contact authorization
Pharmaceutical Network
China’s leading Internet pharmacist group