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Transdermally administered fentanyl for pain management
K A Calis1, D R Kohler, D M Corso
1Department of Pharmacy, Warren G. Magnuson Clinical Center (WGMCC), National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892.
Clinical Pharmacy
|January 1, 1992
Summary
Transdermal fentanyl patches offer effective pain management for chronic cancer pain. While studies on postoperative pain are limited, this delivery method shows promise for long-term analgesia with manageable side effects.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology and Pharmaceutics
- Pain Management
- Drug Delivery Systems
Background:
- Transdermal fentanyl systems provide continuous drug delivery.
- Understanding fentanyl absorption, distribution, and elimination is crucial for effective pain management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the properties and clinical applications of transdermal fentanyl.
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of transdermal fentanyl for postoperative and cancer-related pain.
Main Methods:
- Review of clinical studies on transdermal fentanyl systems.
- Analysis of pharmacokinetic data and clinical trial results.
Main Results:
- Transdermal fentanyl demonstrates effective pain relief in chronic cancer pain.
- Efficacy in postoperative pain requires further comprehensive evaluation.
- Pharmacokinetics show gradual absorption with a depot formation in the skin.
- Adverse effects are generally consistent with opioid analgesics, with mild dermatological reactions.
Conclusions:
- Transdermal fentanyl is a viable option for long-term cancer pain management.
- Further research is needed to establish its role in postoperative pain.
- Dosage titration is essential, starting with lower strengths for opioid-naïve patients.