Indication. Treatment with opioids should be reserved for acute pain, cancer pain and pain at the end of life. There is no longer a distinction between weak and strong opioids. All opioids are strong painkillers and addictive.
Opioids in athletes are only indicated for acute pain with severe pain.
Some of the preparations in the ‘opioids’ group are on the doping list!
Mechanism of action. The various preparations are absorbed from the intestines. The effect can be expected after about ½-1 hour. The duration is approximately 3-12 hours.
Side effects. Nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, constipation, dizziness, which is why caution when driving is advised. The substances carry a risk of habituation and addiction. Overdose can be life-threatening.
Contraindications. Painkillers should never be used to allow an athlete to continue an activity that carries the risk of aggravating the injury. There are various contraindications for all the drugs in the ‘opioids’ group, which is why the treating physician should have a thorough knowledge of the patient before prescribing drugs in this group.
Dose Depending on which drug is being treated with.
Conclusion. Opioids are generally only indicated in the treatment of severe, painful sports injuries where sports activity has stopped.
