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→Mechanism of Action
==Mechanism of Action==
==Mechanism of Action==
Opiods act on opioid (OP) receptors. OP receptors are G-protein coupled: activation of the receptors causes inhibition of adenylate cyclase, decreasing cAMP levels within the cell. Thus, receptor-ligand interaction promotes the opening of K<sup>+<sup> channels within the plasma membrane, and also inhibits that of voltage-gated calcium channels. There are three types of opioid receptors:
* '''OP1''': These are located spinally and supraspinally. The primary effect of receptor engagement is sedation.
* '''OP2''': Located spinally, the main effect of OP2 activation is sedation.
* '''OP3''': OP3 receptor interaction gives rise to analgesia, on a spinal and supraspinal level.
==Pharmacokinetic Considerations==
==Pharmacokinetic Considerations==