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Transdermal fentanyl patches in small animals
Erik H Hofmeister1, Christine M Egger
1Department of Small Animal Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602, USA.
Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association
|November 10, 2004
Summary
Transdermal fentanyl patches provide effective pain relief in cats and dogs. While dogs require 24 hours for therapeutic levels, cats reach them in 7 hours, offering up to 72 hours of analgesia.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Pharmacology
- Pain Management in Animals
Background:
- Fentanyl citrate is a potent opioid analgesic.
- Transdermal drug delivery offers a convenient route for administering analgesia in veterinary medicine.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review existing literature on transdermal fentanyl patches in cats and dogs.
- To evaluate the pharmacokinetics and efficacy of transdermal fentanyl for analgesia in companion animals.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of published studies on transdermal fentanyl patches.
- Inclusion criteria focused on studies involving cats and dogs.
- Analysis of plasma concentrations and analgesic duration.
Main Results:
- Dogs achieved effective plasma concentrations around 24 hours post-application.
- Cats reached effective plasma concentrations approximately 7 hours post-application.
- Transdermal fentanyl provided analgesia for up to 72 hours in both species, with a noted gap in early postoperative pain relief in dogs.
Conclusions:
- Transdermal fentanyl patches are a viable option for sustained analgesia in cats and dogs.
- Species-specific differences in onset of action should be considered for optimal pain management.
- Further research may refine perioperative pain control protocols using transdermal fentanyl.