THE NEWER ANALGESIC DRUGS; THEIR USE AND ABUSE

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Abstract
The pharmacology, addiction liability and clinical use of 3 new analgesic drugs[long dash]metopon, meperidine., and methadon[long dash]are discussed. Metopon and methadon (in repeated dosage) are as effective as morphine in relieving pain. Metopon produces fewer side reactions than morphine. Methadon causes just as many side reactions as does morphine. Meperidine prevents spasm of smooth muscle in man, and can often be used in subjects who do no tolerate morphine well, but it is less reliable than the other 3 drugs. All 3 are addicting. The same precautions should be exercised in their use as ar,e followed in prescribing morphine. Morphine remains the drug of choice for most conditions requiring quick relief of pain for short periods of time. Meperidine is indicated in cases of pain associated with spasm of smooth muscle, or in persons who do not tolerate morphine well. Metopon is limited to oral use in chronic painful diseases. Methadon can be used in most instances in which morphine is indicated. It is particularly useful in cases requiring pain relief for long periods of time, and for withdrawing drugs from patients addicted to the opiates.
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