Opiate Conversion Tables

Introduction

An opiate conversion table is basically a chart that lists the relatively equivalent value of various opiates. Such listing explains the required amount of dosage of a specific opiate, which would be required to produce similar results as another one.

For instance, in case a patient currently taking 40 mgs of codeine wants to shift to hydrocode, then an opiate conversion table would specify the required amount of dosage of the latter medication.

Opiates – Key Aspects

Opiates are primarily a class of drugs derived from a sap taken from a seed pod of the plant ‘papaver somniferum’.

This group of medications is generally available under a number of brand names or generic names. Here we list the most important amongst them.

Oxycodone (Percodan)
Oxymorphone (Numorphan)
Hydrocodone (Vicodin)
Meperidine (Demerol)
Fentanyl
Methadone (Dolophine)
Darvon
Talwin
Hydromorphone (Dilaudid)

The most significant side-effects of opiates include sedation, slowed reflexes, raspy speech, slowed breathing, cold skin and vomiting.

Conversion – Basics and Rules

An opiate conversion table is an important tool that proves to be very helpful for the laymen as well as medical professionals. It provides a ready reference to the comparative values of various opiates, making the transition amongst drugs easy as well as accurate.

Experts have observed and stated a series of rules and observations that govern the use of opiate conversion tables.

It is important to note that the process of conversion is most accurate and specific when the exact prescribed dosage of the drugs is being administered. Medications that are being taken in varied doses often get converted in a faulty ratio, thereby leading to ineffective results. Besides, it is also important to consult your physician about the possible side-effects of the newer drug, which is being consumed.

Below, we have given a sample opiate conversion table that lists the opioids, along with their equivalent values of codeine and morphine.