What are weak vs strong opiates? A guide to understanding potency and prescribing
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5 min read
The World Health Organization (WHO) once defined a three-step analgesic ladder for cancer pain, which categorized opioids into 'weak' and 'strong' to guide treatment based on pain severity. However, as prescribing practices evolve, understanding the distinctions between weak vs strong opiates remains crucial for both healthcare providers and patients. This classification is not absolute but serves as a useful framework for distinguishing the potency and risk profiles of these pain-relieving medications.
