[Treatment of pain with opioid analgesics and the role of TTS-fentanyl (Durogesic)].
Current opinions in chronic pain treatment with opioid analgesics are presented in this review. Justified use of opioid analgesics in treatment of chronic non-malignant pain in inflammatory and degenerative processes is emphasised. Advantages of opioid analgesics compared with non-opiod analgesics are stressed. New form of opioid--a patch, Durogesic TTS, recently registered in Croatia, is described. After brief review of pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of Durogesic, authors experiences in both chronic malignant pain and chronic non-malignant pain treatment with this analgesic are described. Trial was performed in Pain clinic of Karlovac General Hospital as a part of international multicentric clinical trial. Regarding efficacy, compared to the previous therapy, TTS fentanyl was evaluated positively by patients, both in pain control and ease of use, and by the author, for around the clock, non-invasive administration. Slow dose adjustment in rapid illness progression was recognised as disadvantage.
Persoli-Gudelj
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D000279:Administration, Cutaneous; D000701:Analgesics, Opioid / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D002908:Chronic Disease; D005283:Fentanyl / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D006801:Humans; D010146:Pain / Q000188:drug therapy*
D000701:Analgesics, Opioid; D005283:Fentanyl