Meperidine's effectiveness in treating postoperative shivering is due to stimulation of which receptor?

Prepare for the Anesthesia Pharm Exam with flashcards and multiple choice questions. Each question offers hints and explanations to enhance your understanding. Get ready for your test!

Multiple Choice

Meperidine's effectiveness in treating postoperative shivering is due to stimulation of which receptor?

Explanation:
The main concept is that postoperative shivering is best reduced by stimulating kappa opioid receptors. Meperidine has a unique anti-shivering effect because it activates kappa receptors in the central nervous system, which modulates the hypothalamic thermoregulatory center and raises the threshold for shivering. This mechanism is distinct from mu receptor–mediated analgesia, and it is not due to NMDA antagonism or delta receptor blockade. Therefore, the anti-shivering action of meperidine stems from kappa receptor stimulation.

The main concept is that postoperative shivering is best reduced by stimulating kappa opioid receptors. Meperidine has a unique anti-shivering effect because it activates kappa receptors in the central nervous system, which modulates the hypothalamic thermoregulatory center and raises the threshold for shivering. This mechanism is distinct from mu receptor–mediated analgesia, and it is not due to NMDA antagonism or delta receptor blockade. Therefore, the anti-shivering action of meperidine stems from kappa receptor stimulation.

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