Which opioid is particularly useful in treating neuropathic pain and is also used as an antitussive, acting at kappa opioid receptors with less mu agonism?

• A Buprenorphine
• B Codeine
• C Fentanyl
• D Pentazocine ✓

Explanation

Pentazocine is a kappa opioid receptor agonist and a partial mu receptor agonist/antagonist (mixed agonist-antagonist). Kappa receptor activation provides analgesia and sedation but causes dysphoria and psychotomimetic effects. Because of its partial mu antagonism, pentazocine can precipitate withdrawal in opioid-dependent patients. Codeine is primarily a prodrug for morphine (via CYP2D6) and is the classic antitussive opioid. Buprenorphine is a partial mu agonist used in opioid dependence treatment.

Reference: KD Tripathi, Essentials of Medical Pharmacology, 8th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.