title: Are we still scratching the surface? A case of intractable pruritus following systemic opioid analgesia.
abstract: This article describes a case of severe opioid-induced pruritus following systemic morphine administration. Symptoms did not resolve after administration of antihistamines or rotation to fentanyl or hydromorphone, but oral oxycodone and small-dose intravenous naloxone did alleviate the patient's itching. The pathogenesis of opioid-induced pruritus and the rationale for opioid rotation are briefly discussed. Current and possible future therapeutic options are mentioned.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA.
authors.forename: Dana
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Tarcatu
authors.forename: Cristina
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Tamasdan
authors.forename: Natalie
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Moryl
authors.forename: Eugenie
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Obbens
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000701:Analgesics, Opioid / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009020:Morphine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D010146:Pain / Q000188:drug therapy; D011537:Pruritus / Q000139:chemically induced*
chemical_list: D000701:Analgesics, Opioid; D009020:Morphine