Past Papers · SAQ
Morphine vs Fentanyl vs Remifentanil
2011A Q16
Exam questionCompare and contrast the pharmacology of morphine, fentanyl and remifentanil.
CICMWrecks answer
Master answer
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Compare candidate-facing canonical Pharmacopeia fields side by side. Isolated AI-draft proposals are never included.
| Field |
MORPHINE
Neurology & Sedation · Neurology & Sedation · Level 1
|
FENTANYL
Neurology & Sedation · Neurology & Sedation · Level 1
|
REMIFENTANIL
Neurology & Sedation · Neurology & Sedation · Level 2
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Mechanism of action | Binds primarily to inhibitory G-Protein Coupled μ-opioid receptors→ ↑adenylyl cyclase→ ↓cAMP→ hyperpolarization of cell→↓neurotransmitter release |
Binds primarily to inhibitory G-protein-coupled μ-opioid receptors → inhibits adenylyl cyclase → ↓ cAMP → opens K+ channels and inhibits presynaptic voltage-gated Ca2+ channels → hyperpolarisation and ↓ neurotransmitter release |
Binds primarily to inhibitory G-Protein Coupled μ-opioid receptors→ ↑adenylyl cyclase→ ↓cAMP→ hyperpolarization of cell→↓neurotransmitter release |
| Physiological effects | CNS: PNS Excitatory action |
inhibitory action, less likely to ppt histamine release |
inhibitory action, shares many of its actions with morphine and |
| Absorption | PO/IV/IM/SC/SL/IT |
IV/IM/TD. BA PO 30%SL50%skin>90% |
IV only onset / duration 1-3 minutes |
| Distribution | relative lipid sol 1 but crosses BBB pKa 8.0 (25% unionised) |
relative lipid sol 500 Rapid redistribution |
relative lipid sol 50 rapid redistribution |
| Protein binding | prot bind 20-40% (Alb) |
prot bind 80-85% |
Prot bind ~70% (1 acid glycoprotein) |
| Volume of distribution | mod Vd 3-4L/kg |
Mod Vd 4-6L/kg |
Vd 0.3L/kg kids |
| Metabolism | Metabolised to morphine-3-glucuronide (70%) |
Slow Hepatic, primarily via CYP3A4clearance |
Rapid metabolism via blood and Plasma esterase |
| Excretion | Excreted mainly in urine as conjugates with 10% in faeces |
excretion Urine 75% |
excretion urine |
| Half-life | Half time 2-4hrs (large interpatient Variability) |
half life I.V.: 2-4 hours, prolonged context sensitive half time |
half life Terminal: 10-20 minutes; effective: 3-10 minutes |
| Adverse Effects Toxicity | CNS: dysphoria, confusion, ↓LoC, ↓cough reflex, miosis(PNS) |
Similar to other opioids. Differences due to lipid sol. |
Bradycardia, hypotension, muscle rigidity, |
| Class Group | Opiate Analgesic |
Opiate Analgesic |
Opiate Analgesic |
| Indications Uses | 1. for premedication |
1. to provide the analgesic component in general anaesthesia |
1. to provide the analgesic component in general anaesthesia |
| Introduction | naturally occuring phenanthrene derivative from papaver somniferum plant |
Tertiary amine which is a synthetic phenylpiperidine derivative |
synthetic phenylpiperdine derivative of fentanyl with a unique metabolism |
| Legacy Cicm Level | Level 1 |
Level 1 |
Level 2 |
| Main Action | primarily CNS μ receptor activity, also κ and δ. |
μ receptor agonist |
Pure mu receptor agonist |
| Presentation | either as a clear liquid for injection, orally in immediate (liquid or tablet) and sustained release (MS Contin) |
colourless solution 50mcg/ml, TDpatch (25mcg-100mcg/hr) and as lozenges |
white crystalline powder for reconstitution |
| Route And Dose | Dose 5-10mg titrate eff¬ect, may increase x100 with tolerance (relative potency 1) |
Bolus: 1-2 mcg/kg (relative potency 50-100) |
Dose 1mcg/kg bolus, titrate eff¬ect (relative potency 50-100) |
| Special Points | May precipitate encephalopathy in hepatic failure Good reversal with naloxone (does not affect epidural analgesia) Not removed by haemo/peritoneal dialysis |
- Incompatible with thiopental - Dialysis - unknown |
Clearance of metabolite remifentanil acid - prolonged in renal impairment (up to 268 hrs) Metabolite concentration significantly increased in ICU patients with mod-severe renal impairment – but no evidence of clinically significant mu-opioid effects Remifentanil not extracted during RRT. |
Past papers
Exam appearances
| Exam | Exact exam wording | Candidate success |
|---|---|---|
| 2011A Q16 | Compare and contrast the pharmacology of morphine, fentanyl and remifentanil. | 17% |