Evaluation of Therapies for Peripheral and Neuraxial Opioid-induced Pruritus based on Molecular and Cellular Discoveries

Opioids are a mainstay of treatment for pain worldwide. Pruritus, common side effect opioids, is patient dissatisfier that limits their use in many clinical settings. Both parenteral and neuraxial administration opioids frequently evoke pruritus. The ability to suppress while causing itch continues perplex clinicians researchers alike. Several mechanisms have been proposed explain how can give rise pruritus, but specific knowledge gaps perpetuate debate. This review summarizes the burden opioid-induced pruritus emphasizes recent discoveries peripheral central particularly with respect scientific conceptual advances spinal cord circuitry mast cell biology. effectiveness existing medications used management will be evaluated, we highlight emerging preclinical utility selective ?-opioid receptor agonists, such as nalfurafine,