Which opioids can be used in renal impairment?

Opioids are used in a wide variety of clinical settings and are well established for the treatment of both acute and chronic pain. Renal impairment…

UKDILAS Review: FDA warning regarding tramadol use during breastfeeding

The UK Drugs in Lactation Advisory Service has reviewed the FDA statement (Issued April 2017) regarding contra-indicating tramadol use during the breastfeeding period. UKDILAS recommendation:…

What is serotonin syndrome and which medicines cause it?

This Medicines Q&A outlines the causes and symptoms of serotonin syndrome and lists examples of medicines with the potential to cause serotonin syndrome

What are the equivalent doses of oral morphine to other oral opioids when used as analgesics in adult palliative care?

Morphine is generally the strong opioid of choice for treating moderate to severe cancer pain and a common question is how to convert a dose…

Who can supply or administer Controlled Drugs under the terms of a Patient Group Direction and under what circumstances?

The use of controlled drugs is regulated under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 and the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001. The following controlled drugs…

Can opioids be used for pain relief during pregnancy?

There are no specific guidelines for the treatment of pain in pregnancy. Not all analgesics are suitable for use during or at certain stages of…

What is the risk of developing Serotonin Syndrome following concomitant use of tramadol with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)?

This updated Medicines Q&A evaluates the published evidence available on the risk of developing serotonin syndrome following concomitant use of tramadol with selective serotonin reuptake…

Which weak opioids can be used during breastfeeding? Considering the evidence for codeine, dihydrocodeine, and tramadol

This updated UKMi Q & A considers the evidence and regulatory recommendations regarding the contraindication of codeine use during breastfeeding. It also considers the evidence…

Safety in Lactation: Opioid analgesics

The evidence relating to the safe use of opioid analgesics in breastfeeding mothers is very variable between individual drugs. This group of drugs presents a…