The rectal administration of MS Contin: clinical implications of use in end stage cancer

Mercy Hospice in Nampa, Idaho administered unmodified MS Contin 30 mg tablets rectally to 39 terminally ill patients. All patients had pain controlled on oral MS Contin but were switched to the rectal route of administration because of intractable nausea, inability to swallow or both. Pain control was maintained on all patients receiving rectal MS Contin. In 11 patients, the dosage of MS Contin was decreased. No local or systemic adverse reactions developed. The rectal administration is a safe, effective and simple means of maintaining pain control in terminally ill patients.