'Weak' opioid analgesics Codeine, dihydrocodeine and tramadol: no less risky than morphine

摘要

So-called weak opioid analgesics are often used to treat severe pain, or when paracetamol or a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) proves inadequate. But are weak opi-oids any more effective than paracetamol or NSAIDs on nociceptive pain, and are they better tolerated than morphine?To answer these questions, we conducted a review of literature using the standard Prescrire methodology.