Opioid Conversion Calculator

Convert opioid doses safely and accurately

This tool helps you convert between different opioid medications using evidence-based conversion factors. Always consult clinical guidelines and a healthcare professional before making changes to opioid therapy.

Opioid Conversion Examples

See how to convert between common opioids.

Morphine (oral) to Oxycodone (oral)

Opioid

Convert 60 mg oral morphine to oral oxycodone with 25% cross-tolerance reduction.

Current Opioid: Morphine (oral)

Current Dose: 60 mg

Target Opioid: Oxycodone (oral)

Cross-Tolerance Reduction: 25%

Oxycodone (oral) to Fentanyl (transdermal)

Opioid

Convert 40 mg oral oxycodone to transdermal fentanyl with 33% cross-tolerance reduction.

Current Opioid: Oxycodone (oral)

Current Dose: 40 mg

Target Opioid: Fentanyl (transdermal)

Cross-Tolerance Reduction: 33%

Hydromorphone (oral) to Morphine (IV)

Opioid

Convert 16 mg oral hydromorphone to IV morphine with 50% cross-tolerance reduction.

Current Opioid: Hydromorphone (oral)

Current Dose: 16 mg

Target Opioid: Morphine (IV)

Cross-Tolerance Reduction: 50%

Codeine (oral) to Buprenorphine (sublingual)

Opioid

Convert 300 mg oral codeine to sublingual buprenorphine with 25% cross-tolerance reduction.

Current Opioid: Codeine (oral)

Current Dose: 300 mg

Target Opioid: Buprenorphine (sublingual)

Cross-Tolerance Reduction: 25%

Other Titles
Understanding Opioid Dose Conversion: A Comprehensive Guide
Learn how to safely and accurately convert opioid doses for effective pain management.

What is Opioid Dose Conversion?

  • Definition and Purpose
  • Why Conversion is Needed
  • Risks of Incorrect Conversion
Opioid dose conversion is the process of calculating an equivalent dose when switching from one opioid medication to another. This ensures effective pain control while minimizing the risk of overdose or withdrawal.
Why is Opioid Conversion Important?
Different opioids have varying potencies and pharmacokinetics. Accurate conversion is essential for patient safety and optimal pain management.

Common Conversion Scenarios

  • Switching from oral morphine to transdermal fentanyl.
  • Rotating opioids due to side effects or tolerance.

Step-by-Step Guide to Using the Opioid Conversion Calculator

  • Input Selection
  • Applying Cross-Tolerance Reduction
  • Interpreting Results
How to Use the Calculator
1. Select the current opioid and enter the total daily dose. 2. Choose the target opioid. 3. Enter the cross-tolerance reduction percentage (typically 25-50%). 4. Click Calculate to see the equivalent and adjusted doses.
Why Cross-Tolerance Matters
Cross-tolerance reduction accounts for incomplete tolerance between different opioids, reducing the risk of overdose.

Usage Examples

  • Reducing the calculated dose by 25% when switching opioids.
  • Using the calculator for both oral and IV opioid conversions.

Real-World Applications of Opioid Conversion

  • Clinical Pain Management
  • Opioid Rotation
  • Palliative Care
Where is Opioid Conversion Used?
Opioid conversion is widely used in hospitals, pain clinics, and palliative care settings to optimize pain control and minimize side effects.
Opioid Rotation for Tolerance
When patients develop tolerance or experience side effects, switching to a different opioid can restore pain relief.

Clinical Examples

  • Hospice care opioid switching.
  • Managing chronic pain with opioid rotation.

Common Misconceptions and Correct Methods

  • Overestimating Cross-Tolerance
  • Ignoring Patient Factors
  • Using Outdated Conversion Charts
Avoiding Common Errors
Always use up-to-date, evidence-based conversion factors. Adjust for patient-specific factors such as age, organ function, and comorbidities.
Consult Clinical Guidelines
Never rely solely on calculators—consult clinical guidelines and pharmacists for complex cases.

Mistakes to Avoid

  • Not reducing the dose for cross-tolerance.
  • Using the same conversion for all patients.

Mathematical Derivation and Examples

  • Conversion Formula
  • Worked Example
  • Adjusting for Cross-Tolerance
The Conversion Formula
Equivalent Dose = (Current Dose × Current Opioid Factor) / Target Opioid Factor. Adjusted Dose = Equivalent Dose × (1 - Cross-Tolerance % / 100).
Example Calculation
If a patient is taking 60 mg oral morphine and is switching to oral oxycodone with a 25% cross-tolerance reduction: Equivalent Dose = (60 × 1) / 1.5 = 40 mg. Adjusted Dose = 40 × 0.75 = 30 mg.

Formula in Action

  • 60 mg morphine (oral) → 30 mg oxycodone (oral) after 25% reduction.
  • 40 mg oxycodone (oral) → 26.8 mg fentanyl (transdermal) after 33% reduction.