Statements in which the resource exists as a subject.
PredicateObject
rdf:type
lifeskim:mentions
pubmed:issue
3 Suppl 7
pubmed:dateCreated
1998-7-23
pubmed:abstractText
A transdermal fentanyl patch for the treatment of chronic cancer-related pain is available in four dosages (25, 50, 75, and 100 microg/hr). Fentanyl is released from a 72-hour reservoir by diffusion through a controlled-release membrane to the skin, through which it is absorbed into the microcirculation. The pharmacokinetics of fentanyl differ markedly as a function of the route of administration. Unlike intravenous administration, in which peak plasma levels occur within minutes and the plasma elimination half-life is 2 to 3 hours, after initial transdermal fentanyl patch application, peak levels occur within 14 hours and the elimination half-life exceeds 24 hours. When compared with oral morphine at doses effecting the same degree of pain relief, fewer gastrointestinal disturbances (nausea, vomiting, and constipation) and better alertness and sleep quality have been reported in two studies. The transdermal fentanyl patch is as effective as oral opioids in relieving cancer-related pain, with a safety and side effect profile equal to or better than that of oral opioids. The convenient, once-every-72 hours dosing regimen is easily adjusted to the individual's need for around-the-clock pain control, and provides stable and predictable therapeutic drug plasma concentrations. Patient acceptability is high and the cost is lower than other methods required to deliver parenteral opioids. The recent development of an oral transmucosal fentanyl citrate delivery system for the treatment of breakthrough pain will further expand the use of transdermal fentanyl patches for the treatment of chronic pain.
pubmed:language
eng
pubmed:journal
pubmed:citationSubset
IM
pubmed:chemical
pubmed:status
MEDLINE
pubmed:month
Jun
pubmed:issn
0093-7754
pubmed:author
pubmed:issnType
Print
pubmed:volume
25
pubmed:owner
NLM
pubmed:authorsComplete
Y
pubmed:pagination
47-53
pubmed:dateRevised
2006-11-15
pubmed:meshHeading
pubmed:year
1998
pubmed:articleTitle
Factors influencing quality of life in cancer patients: the role of transdermal fentanyl in the management of pain.
pubmed:affiliation
Department of Neuro-Oncology, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.
pubmed:publicationType
Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't