opioid-sparing technique
An anesthetic or analgesic strategy that minimises or eliminates opioid use by substituting non-opioid analgesics and adjuncts to reduce adverse effects.
Full Definition
Opioid-sparing technique refers to a multimodal approach in which drugs such as dexamethasone, ketorolac, acetaminophen, regional nerve blocks, and alpha-2 agonists are used in combination to achieve adequate pain control without relying on full opioid doses. In dental anesthesiology, this strategy is particularly relevant for office-based procedures where postoperative nausea, vomiting, and respiratory depression must be minimized to meet discharge criteria. The approach aligns with broader healthcare initiatives to reduce opioid dependence. Editors should hyphenate the compound modifier when it precedes a noun ('an opioid-sparing approach') but not in predicate position ('the approach was opioid sparing').
Usage
Usage note: Hyphenate as a compound modifier before a noun; leave open in predicate position. Distinguish from 'opioid-free anesthesia,' which implies complete elimination rather than reduction.
In Context
- "The clinic adopted an opioid-sparing technique for pediatric dental sedations to reduce the incidence of postoperative vomiting." — Quality improvement report
- "Editors should hyphenate 'opioid-sparing' when used as a compound modifier before a noun." — Style guide annotation