In regards to the Changes to Medicines Amendment Act 2013, what is stated about IV and IM doses of opioids?

The statement about IV and IM doses of opioids regarding the Changes to the Medicines Amendment Act 2013 indicates that intravenous (IV) doses are typically less in strength than intramuscular (IM) doses for opioids. This aligns with pharmacological principles whereby the route of administration affects bioavailability and potency.

IV administration provides direct entry into the bloodstream, leading to rapid systemic effects and often requiring smaller doses compared to IM routes, where the drug must be absorbed through muscle tissue. This difference in absorption and concentration means that, even though IV opioids can have a stronger immediate effect, they do not need to be administered in higher doses than their IM counterparts to achieve similar outcomes due to their more efficient absorption process.

Thus, the understanding underlying this choice emphasizes the need for precise dosing based on the route of administration to ensure effective and safe pain management, which is critical in clinical practice, particularly in midwifery care contexts where opioid use may arise.