Pharmacology and Toxicology of Opioids, 2nd Edition

Dear Colleagues,

Opioids are a broad group of drugs that include both illegal drugs and medicines. In pharmacological contexts, opioids are currently used as a gold standard for the treatment of moderate to severe pain. Pain is a complex and subjective experience and a symptom associated with several pathologies, many of which are extremely frequent, leading to the widespread consumption of opioids. Despite their high analgesic efficiency, the incidence of side effects and adverse reactions; poisoning cases, including fatal intoxications; and cases of addiction are growing, along with the increase in their use and misuse. In fact, rising opioid consumption is leading to an opioid epidemic and a public health crisis.  

In this context, it is important to broaden our knowledge of opioids’ pharmacology and toxicity mechanisms to improve their therapeutic efficacy and lower the rate of adverse effects, which will ultimately improve the quality of life of many patients. Furthermore, it is also important to understand and decrease the potential for opioid dependence in addition to searching for new analgesic opioids. Therefore, in this Special Issue, authors are invited to submit original papers, (mini-)reviews, communications, perspectives, and opinion articles on all relevant aspects of opioid pharmacology and toxicology.  

Their research areas may include the following:

• In vitro and in vivo studies on opioid toxicity;
• In vitro and in vivo studies on opioid structure–activity relationships;
• Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic studies;
• Behavioral studies;
• New advancements in opioid pharmacology, including (but not limited to) new opioid drug candidates;
• New opioid quantification methodologies.

Dr. Juliana Faria
Dr. Joana Barbosa
Prof. Dr. Ricardo Dinis-Oliveira
Guest Editors

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