However, the physical side effects are generally more prevalent when the medication is taken as prescribed by a medical professional. Out of all physical side effects, one of the most disruptive is excessively itchy skin. What is in opiates that makes the skin itch severely, and what can be done to prevent this side effect from occurring?
New data that was published in the Natural Chemical Biology journal suggests that some opioids can trigger an immune system response that affects one of the major receptor proteins on mast cell surfaces. Mast cells are an important part of the immune system, and they respond to certain inflammatory agents — like histamine — causing what appears to be an allergic reaction. While it is still not well understood why some opiate narcotics lead to intense itching, it is known that some people have a more intense physical reaction than others.
If you have been prescribed an opiate painkiller like codeine or morphine and you experience intense itching after taking the medication, it is a good idea to contact your healthcare provider immediately.
There are many safe alternatives when it comes to the effective treatment of moderate or severe pain. In some cases, an individual will continue to take an opiate medication despite the presence of uncomfortable physical side effects like itchy skin. If this is the case, it might be because an opioid abuse disorder is present. If you believe that you or someone you love has been struggling with an opiate abuse disorder, there are several telltale symptoms to keep an eye out for, including:.
Mice bred to have fewer of these particular receptors did not scratch themselves when given an opioid, but they did exhibit the telltale mouse signs of pain relief, such as less flinching when researchers flicked their tails. Now that scientists know that pain relief and itching can be decoupled, they will try to make itch-free opioid drugs a reality. Already a subscriber? Sign in. Thanks for reading Scientific American. Create your free account or Sign in to continue.
See Subscription Options. Go Paperless with Digital. Read it again each time you refill your prescription in case there is new information. Ask your doctor if you have any questions.
Swallow the extended-release tablet whole with water. Do not crush, break, chew, dissolve, snort, or inject it. Do not pre-soak, lick, or wet the tablet before placing it in your mouth. Do not give this medicine by feeding tubes. Check with your doctor first before changing dosage forms eg, capsules, extended-release tablets, tablets.
These forms are very different from each other. Carefully check the labels of all other medicines you are using, because they may also contain acetaminophen.
It is not safe to use more than 4 grams 4, milligrams of acetaminophen in one day 24 hours. The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.
The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.
If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses. Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing. Oxycodone and acetaminophen combination can cause serious unwanted effects or fatal overdose if taken by children, pets, or adults who are not used to strong narcotic pain medicines.
Make sure you store the medicine in a safe and secure place to prevent others from getting it. Drop off any unused narcotic medicine at a drug take-back location right away. If you do not have a drug take-back location near you, flush any unused narcotic medicine down the toilet. Check your local drug store and clinics for take-back locations.
You can also check the DEA web site for locations. Here is the link to the FDA safe disposal of medicines website:www. It is very important that your doctor check your progress while you are taking this medicine, especially within the first 24 to 72 hours of treatment. This will allow your doctor to see if the medicine is working properly and to decide if you should continue to take it. Blood and urine tests may be needed to check for unwanted effects. It is against the law and dangerous for anyone else to use your medicine.
Keep your unused medicine in a safe and secure place. People who are addicted to drugs might want to steal it. Check with your doctor before using this medicine with alcohol or other medicines that affect the central nervous system CNS. This medicine will add to the effects of alcohol and other CNS depressants medicines that can make you drowsy or less alert.
Some examples of CNS depressants are antihistamines or medicine for allergies or colds, sedatives, tranquilizers, or sleeping medicine, other prescription pain medicine or narcotics, medicine for seizures or barbiturates, muscle relaxants, or anesthetics, including some dental anesthetics.
Also, there may be a greater risk of liver damage if you drink three or more alcoholic beverages while you are taking acetaminophen. Do not drink alcoholic beverages.
If you think you or someone else may have taken an overdose of this medicine, get emergency help at once. Your doctor may also give naloxone to treat an overdose. Signs of an overdose include: extreme dizziness or weakness, slow heartbeat or breathing, seizures, trouble breathing, and cold, clammy skin. Call your doctor right away if you notice these symptoms. This medicine may be habit-forming.
If you feel that the medicine is not working as well, do not use more than your prescribed dose. Call your doctor for instructions. Using these medicine together may cause serious unwanted effects. This medicine may cause sleep-related breathing problems eg, sleep apnea, sleep-related hypoxemia. Your doctor may decrease your dose if you have sleep apnea stop breathing for short periods during sleep while using this medicine.
0コメント