Opioid Conversion Calculator
Enter values to calculate opioid conversion
This tool helps convert between different opioid medications while considering route-specific bioavailability.
Disclaimer: This calculator is for educational purposes only. Always consult clinical guidelines and exercise professional judgment.
Clinically-validated opioid conversion calculator for safe medication transitions. Converts between morphine, oxycodone, fentanyl & more with route adjustments. Essential tool for pain management professionals.
Opioid Conversion Calculator Documentation
What is it?
The Opioid Conversion Calculator is a clinical tool that helps healthcare professionals safely convert between different opioid medications while accounting for route-specific bioavailability and equianalgesic dosing. It standardizes conversions to morphine milligram equivalents (MME) for accurate dose comparisons.
Key Formula
Target Dose = (Current Dose ÷ Current Opioid Factor) × Target Opioid Factor × (1 - Dose Reduction%)Where factors are route-specific equianalgesic values from clinical guidelines.
How to Use
- Select Parameters: Choose current/target opioids and administration routes
- Enter Dose: Input current opioid dose
- Adjust Factors: Modify conversion factors if needed
- Set Reduction: Apply percentage reduction for opioid rotation
- View Results: Get converted dose with clinical warnings
Clinical Terminology
- MME: Morphine Milligram Equivalent (standardized pain dose measurement)
- Equianalgesic Dose: Dose providing equal pain relief to a reference opioid
- Bioavailability: Fraction of drug reaching systemic circulation
- Opioid Rotation: Switching between opioid medications to improve efficacy/reduce side effects
Formula Sources
Conversion factors derived from:
- CDC Guideline for Prescribing Opioids (2022)
- WHO Pain Ladder Guidelines
- Clinical Pharmacopeia (route-specific bioavailability data)
- Methadone Conversion Protocols (non-linear dose adjustments)
FAQs
Q: Why is dose reduction recommended during conversion?
A: Incomplete cross-tolerance between opioids means patients may be more sensitive to the new medication.
Q: How accurate are these conversions?
A: Factors represent population averages - individual responses may vary by ±20%.
Q: When should I override default factors?
A: For patients with renal/hepatic impairment or unusual medication histories.
Critical Notes
❗ Not for initial opioid dosing - Only for converting existing regimens
❗ Verify calculations - Especially for methadone/fentanyl conversions
❗ Monitor closely - During and after conversion for efficacy/side effects
❗ Consult specialists - For doses >90 MME/day or complex cases
Best Practices
- Always double-check calculations
- Document conversion methodology
- Start with lower-than-calculated doses for frail patients
- Reassess pain control 24-48 hours post-conversion