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Opioid Conversion Calculator

 Related eLearning: - Principles of opioid conversion

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  • All calculations must be confirmed before use. Significant inter/intra patient variability exists in the response to different opioid drugs and the dose of these agents. After changing an opioid drug or its dose, patients should be closely assessed and the dose or drug altered as necessary.
  • Calculations used for opioid switching should be documented in the patients record.
  • All conversions are made by first calculating the daily oral morphine equivalent of the opioid being converted from, and then calculating the specific dose of the opioid being converted to. For conversion factors used in the calculator select here.
  • It is the responsibility of the user to round up or down calculated results if required, to align with preparations available at individual workplaces.
  • The eviQ opioid conversion calculator is only to be used for patients greater than 12 years old. For this reason the Date of Birth field is mandatory. For patients under this age consult with a pain or palliative care specialist
  • Combination products: There is no conclusive evidence that combination analgesics containing lower doses of codeine with paracetamol, aspirin or ibuprofen have any benefits over these non-opioids alone.
  • Buprenorphine transdermal patches: Calculator will only allow conversion FROM a buprenorphine patch and not TO a patch as there is limited evidence about, and experience of it's use compared to other opioids.
  • Methadone: Dose conversion to: from other opioids and methadone is complex; consultation with pain management specialists familiar with methadone use is recommended
  • Fentanyl Lozenges: There is no dose equivalence between fentanyl lozenges and other opioid formulations. The optimal dose cannot be predicted by the dose of regular opioid or pervious breakthrough opioid. It should be individually titrated by starting at the lowest dose (200 micrograms)

Version 2

Date Summary of changes
31/05/2017

Transferred to new eviQ website.

Disclaimer: The Cancer Institute NSW does not warrant or represent that the information is free from errors or omission. Furthermore, changes in circumstances after the time of publication of the information may impact on the accuracy of the information. The user agrees not to hold the Cancer Institute NSW or any of its officers, employees or contractors liable in any way for use and/or outcomes brought about through the use of any information obtained from the opioid calculator. The doses are calculated as a guideline only, based on currently published conversion factors and may differ from those used in your institution. Clinical application of any information obtained from the opioid calculator is the sole responsibility of the user.

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The currency of this information is guaranteed only up until the date of printing, for any updates please check:

https://www.eviq.org.au/p/3201

31 May 2023