[Clonidine in the treatment of cancer pain].
Clonidine is an alpha2-adrenergic agonist with analgetic properties. Due to its side-effects, the drug is administered via the epidural or spinal route. A literature search yielded nine controlled studies on clonidine as a supplemental drug in the epidural or spinal treatment of cancer pain. These studies were systematically reviewed to evaluate the evidence of efficacy in patients with cancer pain.


CONCLUSIONS
Despite weak evidence, clonidine may be a useful adjunct in epidural or spinal morphine therapy of cancer pain.
Nielsen
Jan Bjørn
JB
Palliativt Team, Regionshospitalet Herning, DK-7400 Herning. jbjn@dadlnet.dk
Sjøgren
Per
P
D000316:Adrenergic alpha-Agonists / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000700:Analgesics / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003000:Clonidine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D007268:Injections, Epidural; D007278:Injections, Spinal; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D010146:Pain / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000316:Adrenergic alpha-Agonists; D000700:Analgesics; D003000:Clonidine