Name a common short-acting opioid medication.

Morphine is considered a common short-acting opioid medication. It has a well-established background in pain management and is often used in acute settings, such as for post-operative pain or in cases of significant injury. Morphine works by binding to opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord, providing effective analgesia.

Additionally, the pharmacokinetics of morphine support its classification as a short-acting opioid, with its effects typically peaking within an hour of administration and lasting for several hours, depending on the route of administration. This makes morphine a suitable choice for treating pain situations that require more immediate relief.

In contrast, other opioids listed may have different classifications. For instance, oxycodone and hydrocodone are also common short-acting opioids but may be less frequently used in acute hospital settings compared to morphine. Fentanyl, while extremely potent and used for pain management, is often considered a long-acting opioid when delivered via patches or as part of a long-term pain management plan.