Understanding opioid selection in the OR is all about recognizing pharmacokinetics and how they align with surgical needs and patient factors, rather than focusing solely on receptor effects. This episode explores the five opioids you use most—morphine, fentanyl, sufentanil, remifentanil, and hydromorphone—and offers a framework for choosing optimally among them.

• Opioid receptor mechanisms and their clinical outcomes
• Lipid solubility's role in opioid kinetics
• Pharmacokinetics of morphine, fentanyl, sufentanil, remifentanil, and hydromorphone
• Managing side effects like respiratory depression and opioid-induced hyperalgesia
• Guidelines for opioid selection based on case specifics and patient renal function

Resources

Atomic Anesthesia Platform — In-depth lessons and quizzes on each opioid.

FREE RESOURCE FOR THIS EPISODE:

GPCR Cheat Sheet — G-protein coupled receptors decoded for anesthesia. Head to atomicanesthesia.com/freebies/gpcr-cheat-sheet to grab it free.

MORE FREE STUDY RESOURCES:

SEE/NCE Study Plan — A structured, week-by-week plan to pass your boards

Non-Opioid Pharmacology Cheat Sheet — Every non-opioid analgesic you need to know, on one page

Malignant Hyperthermia Reference Guide — Recognize MH fast. Treat it faster — one-page reference

WANT THE FULL PLATFORM?

Atomic Anesthesia is the all-in-one study platform built specifically for SRNAs — lessons, quizzes, flashcards, and more. Start your free trial at atomicanesthesia.com.

Mentioned in this episode:

💜 PARTNERS: The Incomologists®

https://theincomologists.com/ You work hard caring for others—let us take care of you. Whether you’re a W-2 employee or transitioning to a 1099 role, we understand the unique challenges healthcare professionals face, from insurance coverage to financial planning. That’s where we step in. Like you, we are a team of healthcare providers who understand your needs and help you find tailored insurance plans and financial strategies without the hassle or pressure. And we’re a partner you can rely on, today and in the future. We evaluate all available options and resources in the market to protect our clients, so contact us, and we’ll get started! - Jake Bevilacqua, CRNA (jake@theincomologists.com)