Opiate receptors: a review of analgesic properties and pharmacological side effects

Abstract

Pain and suffering are the most common, and distressing, complaints of patients. Opiates remain the drugs of choice for severe pain. A review of the current information known about these drugs is essential not only for any anesthesiologist, but for any physician. The term "opioid" refers to any peptide that binds stereospecifically to opioid receptors, regardless of whether it occurs naturally or is chemically synthesized. There are five basic classes of opioid receptors that have been discovered. Understanding each of the receptor's activities and side-effects is essential for proper use of available opiates. This review will provide current information of the opioid receptors. Not only will understanding result in better patient care but it will encourage greater research in this field.