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StatPearls, LLC

  • Analgesia
  • Analgesics, Opioid
  • Anesthesia
  • Anesthetics
  • Hydromorphone

Opioid Anesthesia

Opioid anesthesia involves the use of opioid medications as primary or adjunct agents for pain control during surgical procedures and in the postoperative period. Despite the ongoing opioid crisis, particularly in the United States, opioids remain essential in anesthesia due to their potent analgesic properties. They are FDA-approved for use across all surgical phases preinduction, induction, maintenance, and postoperative recovery and can be administered via multiple routes, though intravenous delivery is most common. Frequently used agents include fentanyl, morphine, and hydromorphone, with more potent options like sufentanil and remifentanil reserved for specific intraoperative uses. This course explores the complexities surrounding opioids in modern anesthetic practice, including the mechanisms of action, contraindications, and current multimodal analgesia strategies and monitoring technologies. Opioids bind to G protein-coupled receptors, which mediate analgesia by inhibiting nociceptive signal transmission and modulating ion channels to reduce neuronal excitability. However, opioids are also associated with significant risks, such as respiratory depression, bradycardia, and the rare but critical opioid-induced chest wall rigidity, necessitating continuous monitoring and careful titration during anesthesia. This activity for healthcare professionals is designed to enhance the learner’s competence in the use of opioid anesthesia, including its pharmacology, adverse event profiles, eligible patient populations, contraindications, performing the recommended monitoring, and implementing an appropriate interprofessional approach when managing opioid anesthesia in light of the opioid crisis.

Credit & MOC Details

Credit information is provided by the course provider. We recommend confirming credit eligibility with the provider or your licensing board before starting the activity.

Credit types

IPCE CreditsUp to 1.5 creditsAAPA Category 1 Credit™Up to 1.5 creditsAMA PRA Category 1 Credit™Up to 1.5 creditsNursingUp to 1.5 creditsPharmacyUp to 1.5 credits

MOC types

ABS — Accredited CMEUp to 1.5 pointsABOS — Accredited CMEUp to 1.5 pointsABA — Lifelong LearningUp to 1.5 pointsABTS — Accredited CMEUp to 1.5 pointsABIM — Medical KnowledgeUp to 1.5 pointsABS — Self-AssessmentUp to 1.5 pointsABP — Lifelong Learning and Self-AssessmentUp to 1.5 pointsABOHNS — Self-AssessmentUp to 1.5 pointsABTS — Self-AssessmentUp to 1.5 points

FDA REMS

No

Qualifies for MIPS

No

Target Specialties

Cross-Specialty

Relevant across 12 specialties.

Pricing

Fee varies

This provider typically $49–98

See fees on statpearls.com

Listed by the provider

  • Article / monograph / reference
  • Credit · Up to 1.5 credits
  • MOC · Up to 1.5 points
  • Fee varies · this provider typically $49–98
  • Released
    Sep 1, 2026
  • Last day to claim credit
    Sep 1, 2029 3 years left

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