The global opioid market can be segmented by product type into IR/Short Acting Opioids and ER/Long-Acting Opioids. Short-acting opioids are commonly used for acute pain relief, while long-acting opioids are preferred for chronic pain management due to their sustained release properties.
Application
In terms of application, opioids are primarily used for pain relief and anesthesia. Pain relief accounts for the majority market share as opioids are highly effective in managing different levels of pain, from moderate to severe. In anesthesia, opioids are used as adjunct medications to induce and maintain anesthesia during surgical procedures.
Route of Administration
Opioids can be administered through different routes including oral, intravenous, transdermal, and intramuscular, among others. The choice of route depends on factors such as the patient's condition, the severity of pain, and the desired onset and duration of action.
Distribution Channel
The distribution of opioids is done through various channels including hospitals, retail pharmacies, online pharmacies, and clinics. Hospital pharmacies are the major contributors to the opioid market due to the high volume of opioid prescriptions for inpatient and outpatient settings. Retail pharmacies also play a significant role in providing opioids to patients for pain management. Online pharmacies are gaining popularity for the convenient access to opioid medications while clinics tend to dispense opioids under strict regulations and guidelines to prevent abuse and diversion.