Opioids can be administered orally, intravenously,
subcutaneously, sublingually, intrathecally, and topically
depending on its indication and available routes for
administration. It has immediate release and sustained
release preparations for ease of use. Both immediate
and sustained release preparations have equivalent
analgesic effects.23,24 When opioids are prescribed, a
laxative should be prescribed concurrently to alleviate
the onset of opioid induced constipation (OIC).