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Open Access 01-06-2012 | Review Article

A Comprehensive Review of Rapid-Onset Opioids for Breakthrough Pain

Author: Dr Howard Smith

Published in: CNS Drugs | Issue 6/2012

Abstract

Breakthrough pain (BTP) is a transitory pain (reaching maximum severity in ∼15 minutes and lasting ∼60 minutes in patients with cancer) that occurs despite the management of chronic pain with long-term around-the-clock analgesia. BTP occurs in 33–65% of patients with chronic cancer pain and in ∼70% of patients with chronic noncancer pain. BTP has historically been managed with short-acting opioids; however, these medications have a pharmacokinetic profile that does not correlate with the sudden onset and short time to maximum severity of BTP. Interest in rapid-onset opioids to relieve BTP has therefore been growing. This comprehensive review aims to summarize the currently available clinical data for the approved rapid-onset opioids, which comprise different formulations of fentanyl, a μ-opioid receptor agonist with anaesthetic and analgesic properties. Administration routes for fentanyl in the management of BTP currently include the transmucosal and intranasal routes; an intrapulmonary formulation is also in development. The findings of this review suggest that the efficacy and safety of the approved rapid-onset opioids are comparable.

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Title: A Comprehensive Review of Rapid-Onset Opioids for Breakthrough Pain
Author: Dr Howard Smith
Publication date: 01-06-2012
Publisher: Springer International Publishing
Published in: CNS Drugs / Issue 6/2012
Print ISSN: 1172-7047
Electronic ISSN: 1179-1934
DOI: https://doi.org/10.2165/11630580-000000000-00000

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

A Comprehensive Review of Rapid-Onset Opioids for Breakthrough Pain

Abstract

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

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