Drugs
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Opioids remain the drugs of choice for the treatment of severe pain. In recent years several new potent opioids have become available for clinical use. These newer drugs are generally safer than the older morphine-like compounds and their differing pharmacological and pharmacokinetic properties allow the physician to choose an appropriate drug according to the clinical situation and need of an individual patient. ⋯ The risk of dependence is also less, so that these drugs are safer for the treatment of chronic pain. Additionally, it is particularly worth noting that buprenorphine and nalbuphine cause minimal cardiovascular changes, and are safe and effective drugs for treatment of pain associated with myocardial infarction. Buprenorphine, which is effective parenterally, orally and sublingually, has a prolonged duration of action (up to 12 hours after a single dose).