narcotics

Definition, classes of narcotics, etc.

1. SUMMARY ON NARCOTICS As summarized by Alpha and Beta- Group 2 Lecturer- Mrs Christiana Osei Asare

2. Contents What are narcotics? Sources of Narcotics. How do they work? Route of administration of narcotics? Other names of narcotics? Indications or Uses? What effects do they produce in the body? Remedy for rehabilitation?

3. What are Narcotics? Narcotics are natural opioid drugs derived from dried latex of opium poppy scientifically known as P apaver somniferum [ Papaveraceae ] . Its an addictive drug which affects mood or behavior especially an illegal drug . It could be synthetic or non-synthetic.

4. SOURCES OF NARCOTICS Natural Sources: It is known that the body creates its own natural opiate called Endorphins. The word endorphins is derived from the word endogenous which means morphine-like substances produced in the body. These serve as natural pain killers for the body. When the body is in pain, neurotransmitters send message to the body that it has pain , the brain then responds by creating endorphins to block the pain message from the body. OTHER NATURAL SOURCES: These are obtained from raw opium example: morphine and codeine. Tobacco from leaves of tobacco plants.

5. SOURCES OF NARCOTICS SEMI –SYNTHETIC SOURCES: These are obtained when the natural sources are treated with chemicals ,example : Heroin, oxycodone, hydromorphone, oxymorphone . SYNTHETIC SOURCES: These are the man-made analgesics which have properties and actions similar to the natural opioids, example : Methadone, propoxyphene,meperidine , fentanyl, levorphanol,pentadocine .

6. How do narcotics work? Narcotics work by acting on receptors located on neuronal cell membranes. The presynaptic action of opioids to inhibit/enhance neurotransmitter release is considered to be their major effect in the nervous system. On the limbic system which controls emotions, opioids can create feelings of pleasure, relaxation, and contentment. On the brainstem, which controls things your body does automatically, like breathing, opioids can slow breathing, stop coughing, and reduce pain. On the spinal cord, which receives sensations from the body before sending them to the brain, opioids decrease feelings of pain, even after serious injuries.

7. ROUTES OF ADMINISTRATION OF NARCOTICS There are various administration of narcotic drugs depending on the form in which they exist, being it more concentrated dosage forms ,controlled relieve preparations or transdermal preparation. Due to their long duration of action, the forms of preparation lessen the severity of pain that may be express at the end of the effectiveness of the dose. Below are some of the routes of administration Oral Administration-Morphine,hydrocodone,hydromorphone,oxycodone,codeine Sublingual and Buccal Administration-Buprenorphine Inhalation: Tobacco,heroin

8. ROUTES OF ADMINISTRATION Subcutaneous Administration Intramuscular Administration- Morphine,Codeine,heroin Intravenous Administration Transdermal Administration Topical: Fentanyl. Rectal Administration

9. OTHER NAMES OF NARCOTICS Opiate Sedatives Somnifacient Anesthetic Hypnotic Soporiferous

10. INDICATIONS OF NARCOTICS In small doses narcotics have valuable medicinal uses. They include; It is use to relieve or manage moderate to severe, acute and chronic pain. To lessen anxiety. To sedate a patient before surgery It is use to support anesthesia Treatment of severe diarrhea and intestinal cramping Relief of severe cough

11. Side effects of narcotics on the body Narcotics have both common and severe side effects . Some of the common side effects are as follows; HEALTH EFFECTS Itching Dry mouth Abdominal pain Constipation Sedation Vomiting addiction

12. SIDE EFFECTS OF NARCOTICS ON THE BODY Severe side effects are also as follows; HEALTH EFFECT Trouble breathing Chest pain Abnormal heart beat Cardiac arrest Death or suicidal

13. Classes of narcotics Full opioid agonists : General examples: Morphine, Heroin, Fentanyl, Codeine, Demerol, Opium, and Methadone. Specific examples related to pharmacy: Pethidine, Hydrocodone (vicodin), Tramadol, Oxycodon, Hydromorphone (Dilaudid), Oxymorphone (Opana). Partial selective agonists : General examples: Nalbuphine, Pentazocine, Tifluadom Specific examples: Buprenorphine (Suboxone), Tramadol (Ultram).

14. REMEDY FOR THE EFFECTS OF NARCOTICS. Rehabilitation is used to help people recover from addictions, injuries, physical or mental illness. Drug rehabilitation facilities prepare drug addicts to re-enter the society in the sense that, the persons previous way of life changes thereby regaining normal life in a safe and healthy way. REMEDIES INDULDE Medication for depression or other disorders must be administered Counseling by experts Sharing of experience with other addicts

15. REMEDY FOR THE EFFECTS OF NARCOTICS. There could be positive reinforcement such as giving motivational incentives to encourage abstinence from the addictive substance They should be encourage to make long term goals and short term goals that will help them along the way. Doctors should educate sure patients on the consequences on effect of drug addiction and abuse.

16. OTHER REMEDIES Patients who develop nausea will require anti-emetic drugs (metoclopramide and others) and anti-serotonin antagonists. Also the reduction of doses when medical practitioners are prescribing a narcotic drug will also help reduce its adverse effects. Physicians should minimize the development of constipation using prophylactic measures that is a stool softener combined with stimulant laxative is preferred. Medications should be minimized and there should be judicious use of stimulants and antipsychotics to manage the central nervous system’s side effects.

17. When there is the side effect of pruritus, antihistamines is the drug of choice. Patients who have become addicted to narcotic drugs should become detoxified in order to clear their systems of the narcotics. Rehabilitation centers is also there people who have become addicted to narcotics. This is needed after the person hooked on narcotics have been detoxified so that he can overcome the addiction and go back to living a normal life.

18. THE END OF SUMMARY ALPHA &BETA-GROUP 2 THANK YOU…… GROUP LEADERS-ANSAH OWUSU ENOCK(ALPHA)0202461393 CHARLES ANAMAN (BETA) 020 9130825