SAFETY OF OPIOID USE IN ANESTHESIOLOGY: AN INTEGRATIVE REVIEW OF STRATEGIES FOR PREVENTING DEPENDENCE AND ADVERSE EFFECTS

Abstract

The use of opioids in anesthesiology is widely recognized for their effectiveness in the management of acute and chronic pain, especially in the perioperative context. However, their administration is associated with significant risks, including dependence, tolerance, and a variety of adverse effects. This study aims to systematically review the preventive strategies applied in clinical practice to mitigate such risks, focusing on pharmacological interventions, multimodal approaches, and monitoring programs. The review was conducted based on studies published in the PubMed, Scopus, and Embase databases, covering articles from 2015 to 2023. The results indicate that strategies such as multimodal analgesia, rational use of opioids, and implementation of risk control protocols are effective in reducing dependence and associated adverse events. It is concluded that the adoption of evidence-based practices is essential to balance effective pain management with patient safety, minimizing the negative impacts of opioids in anesthesiology.