The use of high doses of oxycodone in an acute palliative care unit.
A retrospective study of patients who were prescribed controlled-release oxycodone (CRO) in a period of 3 years (2006-2008) was performed. A total of 212 patients were prescribed at discharge CRO for background analgesia; 129, 43, and 40 patients were prescribed doses of oxycodone of less than 120 mg/day (group L), 120 to 240 mg/day (group M), and more than 240 mg/day (group L), respectively. No differences in gender, primary diagnosis, and pain mechanisms were found, but doses were significantly lower in older patients (P < .0005). At discharge, adverse effects were mild and only a minority of patients were switched to other opioids. This study demonstrated that CRO administered in larger doses was safe and effective, showing versatility and flexibility similar to morphine.
Mercadante
Sebastiano
S
Pain Relief and Palliative Care Unit, La Maddalena Cancer Center, Palermo, Italy. terapiadeldolore@lamaddalenanet.it
Ferrera
Patrizia
P
David
Fabrizio
F
Casuccio
Alessandra
A
D000208:Acute Disease; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000701:Analgesics, Opioid / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000150:complications; D010098:Oxycodone / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010146:Pain / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D010166:Palliative Care / Q000379:methods*; D012189:Retrospective Studies
D000701:Analgesics, Opioid; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D010098:Oxycodone