Which opioid is primarily metabolized by plasma esterases?

Which opioid is primarily metabolized by plasma esterases?

• A. Fentanyl
• B. Remifentanil
• C. Morphine
• D. Oxycodone

Answer: (B)

Remifentanil is primarily metabolized by plasma esterases, which are enzymes found in the blood that break down the drug quickly. This property gives remifentanil a very short half-life, making it particularly useful in situations where rapid onset and offset of analgesia are desired, such as in surgical procedures or during sedation. Unlike remifentanil, fentanyl, morphine, and oxycodone undergo a different metabolic process, primarily involving liver metabolism through cytochrome P450 enzymes. This difference in metabolism is significant in clinical practice, as the rapid breakdown of remifentanil allows for precise control of analgesia and quicker recovery times for patients post-surgery.

Remifentanil is primarily metabolized by plasma esterases, which are enzymes found in the blood that break down the drug quickly. This property gives remifentanil a very short half-life, making it particularly useful in situations where rapid onset and offset of analgesia are desired, such as in surgical procedures or during sedation.

Unlike remifentanil, fentanyl, morphine, and oxycodone undergo a different metabolic process, primarily involving liver metabolism through cytochrome P450 enzymes. This difference in metabolism is significant in clinical practice, as the rapid breakdown of remifentanil allows for precise control of analgesia and quicker recovery times for patients post-surgery.