title: Sublingual fentanyl citrate for cancer-related breakthrough pain: a pilot study.
abstract: The effects of sublingual fentanyl citrate (SLFC) were assessed in 11 hospice inpatients with cancer-related breakthrough pain. Patients were asked to rate their pain, using a visual analogue scale, before SLFC, then after 3, 5, 10, 15, 30, 45 and 60 min. Six patients (55%) had reductions in pain scores at 10 min and nine patients (82%) at 15 min. Ratings for SLFC were very good (18%), good (36%), moderate (28%), and bad (18%). Compared to the usual breakthrough medication, SLFC was better (46%), the same (36%), or worse (18%). Advantages of SLFC included ease of use, quick onset of action and no associated drowsiness. No systemic adverse events were noted, but two patients reported dry mouth and two a bitter taste. Two patients found it difficult to retain the medication under the tongue. Seven patients (64%) said they would continue to use SLFC. Sublingual fentanyl citrate appears safe and well tolerated by these patients. Randomized placebo-controlled and dose ranging studies are required to confirm these findings.
authors.affiliation: St Joseph's Hospice, London, UK. jzeppetella@stjosephshospice.org.uk
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Zeppetella
mesh_terms: D000286:Administration, Sublingual; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000701:Analgesics, Opioid / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D005283:Fentanyl / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000150:complications*; D010146:Pain / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D010147:Pain Measurement; D010166:Palliative Care / Q000379:methods; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D010865:Pilot Projects
chemical_list: D000701:Analgesics, Opioid; D005283:Fentanyl