Final answer:
Methadone can be used for pain relief in patients with PO ileus as it can be administered intravenously, bypassing the GI tract. Other options include intravenous or subcutaneous morphine and transdermal fentanyl, which are also effective in managing severe pain without relying on the oral route.
Step-by-step explanation:
Opioids are a class of drugs that act on the nervous system to relieve pain. When a patient has a postoperative (PO) ileus, which is a temporary cessation of bowel motility after surgery, certain oral medications cannot be used because they might not be absorbed or could exacerbate the ileus. However, there are alternatives for pain relief that can be administered in forms that bypass the gastrointestinal tract.
Methadone is a synthetic opioid that can be administered intravenously and is useful in this case as it bypasses the gastrointestinal system. Methadone is less euphoric compared to other opioids like heroin, but it's effective in pain control and the management of opioid withdrawal symptoms.
Other opioids that come in parenteral forms, which might be considered for patients with PO ileus, include morphine and fentanyl. Morphine can be given intravenously or subcutaneously, and fentanyl is available in patch form that is absorbed through the skin. Both are potent pain relievers that are commonly used in hospital settings for patients who cannot take oral medications.
Pain management must be tailored to the individual needs of the patient, taking into account the patient's medical history, the risk of opioid dependency, and the need for non-oral routes of administration due to PO ileus. Physicians and medical professionals must balance the efficacy of the drug with its potential for abuse and side effects, including respiratory depression and constipation, which can be a particular concern for patients with ileus.