Which opioid is described as a pure agonist with affinity for both mu and kappa receptors?

Morphine is widely recognized as a pure agonist that has a strong affinity for both mu and kappa opioid receptors. This characteristic enables morphine to produce effective analgesia, making it a cornerstone in pain management. Its action on the mu receptors primarily causes pain relief and euphoria, while interaction with kappa receptors contributes to additional analgesic effects and sedation.

The role of morphine as a full agonist is particularly significant in clinical scenarios where substantial pain relief is required, as it engages both receptor types to maximize its efficacy. Understanding the pharmacological profile of morphine highlights its importance in both acute and chronic pain management, while also illustrating how its binding to these receptors differentiates it from other opioids that may have varied affinities or partial agonist properties.