Which adverse effects are commonly associated with opioid analgesics?

Which adverse effects are commonly associated with opioid analgesics?

• A. Hypertension and tachycardia
• B. Hypoglycemia and weight gain
• C. Tremor and sweating
• D. Nausea and pruritus

Answer: (D)

Opioid analgesics commonly cause effects that reflect their action on the nervous system and skin. Nausea happens because these drugs stimulate the chemoreceptor trigger zone and slow gastric motility, so many patients feel queasy, especially when starting therapy or after a dose increase. Pruritus stems from histamine release in the skin triggered by μ-receptor activation, leading to itching that can occur even without a rash and often grows with higher doses. While sweating can occur with opioids, tremor is not a typical adverse effect, and major cardiovascular changes like hypertension or tachycardia aren’t expected with standard opioid therapy. Hypoglycemia and weight gain aren’t classic opioid-related effects either. Therefore, nausea and pruritus are the most commonly observed adverse effects with opioid analgesics.

Opioid analgesics commonly cause effects that reflect their action on the nervous system and skin. Nausea happens because these drugs stimulate the chemoreceptor trigger zone and slow gastric motility, so many patients feel queasy, especially when starting therapy or after a dose increase. Pruritus stems from histamine release in the skin triggered by μ-receptor activation, leading to itching that can occur even without a rash and often grows with higher doses. While sweating can occur with opioids, tremor is not a typical adverse effect, and major cardiovascular changes like hypertension or tachycardia aren’t expected with standard opioid therapy. Hypoglycemia and weight gain aren’t classic opioid-related effects either. Therefore, nausea and pruritus are the most commonly observed adverse effects with opioid analgesics.