We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What Factors Affect Opioid Conversion?

By Maggie J. Hall
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 5,646
Share

Dosage differences depending on the route of administration, dosage variations between medications, and the overall status of the patient are some of the factors that physicians consider when calculating opioid conversions. Opioid conversion tables provide duration, half-life, route, and dosage adjustments between medications. Other factors not considered by these tools include dosage differences between regular and extended release forms of the same medications, specific medical conditions, or a change in patient status while taking the prescribed medication.

Physicians generally prescribe opioid medications for acute pain that follows surgical procedures or for moderate to severe chronic pain associated with arthritic conditions or cancer. Types of opioids commonly used include true opioids, semi-synthetic opioids, and synthetic opioids. Codeine and morphine contain 0.50% and 10% of opium, respectively, while oxycodone and oxycontin contain morphine and acetyl or other manmade compounds. Synthesized opioids include fentanyl and methadone.

The time in which patients experience the pain relief produced by opioids differs markedly depending on whether drug administration is oral, intramuscular, or intravenous (IV). Medication given IV infusion reaches the bloodstream immediately and generally requires a lower dose than other forms of the same medication. Patients prescribed IV opioid therapy in a hospital setting may continue the medication orally after discharge, which generally requires opioid conversion. Physicians may prescribe an extended release formula for patients who aren't receiving adequate pain control on routine doses of a regular formulation, which might require dosage adjustments because of the size of the patient or the intensity of the pain.

Patients who experience adverse reactions to one opioid medication might be switched to a different drug. Likewise, patients who react to the adhesive of a transdermal patch used to administer opioids may require a different form of the medication and accompanying dosage adjustment. Differences in potency generally require opioid conversion. Patients taking 200 milligrams (mg) of codeine orally every four to six hours only need 20 to 30 mg of hydrocodone every four to eight hours. Oral doses of oxymorphone may start at 10 mg every three to six hours.

After long-term use of opioids for chronic pain, a patient often develops a tolerance for the medication or the patient's pain may increase as their condition deteriorates. Both circumstances requires a stronger opioid for adequate pain management and might require opioid conversion between two different medications. Some patients suffer from hepatic or renal insufficiency, and typical oral dosages may cause an overdose, as their body cannot effectively eliminate the medication. Opioid conversion might be required under these circumstances as well.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-factors-affect-opioid-conversion.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.