title: [Differential therapeutic aspects of analgesia with oral sustained-release strong opioids: application intervals, metabolism and immunosuppression].
abstract: The oral "around-the clock" administration of sustained-release strong opioids has been recommended for the long-term treatment of patients suffering from chronic severe pain. At present a plethora of products are available in Germany. Modern galenics even allow for only once-daily oral application without clinically relevant negative chronobiological interference. This application scheme has been shown to improve compliance and sleep quality, factors that influence treatment outcome. Randomized controlled studies revealed no relevant differences between the different strong opioids with respect to efficacy and tolerability. However, hydromorphone and oxycodone appear to be advantageous over morphine due to a lack of immunosuppression. Hydromorphone has the additional benefit of a lower risk of intoxication by accumulation of active metabolites in patients with decreased renal function. As a result, although morphine has been regarded as the standard for the treatment of chronic severe pain, hydromorphone and oxycodone may be better and safer alternatives for certain patient groups (e.g. older age, multimorbidity, cancer).
authors.affiliation: Institut für Pharmakologie, Universitätsklinikum Köln, Köln, Deutschland.
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Güttler
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Sabatowski
mesh_terms: D000284:Administration, Oral; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000701:Analgesics, Opioid / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D004091:Hydromorphone / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D007111:Immunity, Cellular / Q000187:drug effects*; D008297:Male; D008657:Metabolic Clearance Rate / Q000502:physiology; D008875:Middle Aged; D009020:Morphine / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D010098:Oxycodone / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D010146:Pain / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000276:immunology; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
chemical_list: D000701:Analgesics, Opioid; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D009020:Morphine; D010098:Oxycodone; D004091:Hydromorphone