title: Applying partially occluded fentanyl transdermal patches to manage pain in pediatric patients.
abstract: Fentanyl transdermal patches (FTPs) have been used for many years in the treatment armamentarium for chronic pain. By design, FTPs release drug into the skin at a constant rate and thereby provide drug in a fashion similar to continuous intravenous infusion without the disadvantages of a venous catheter and the constant presence of an analgesia pump. Pediatric patients may require doses of FTP other than the five commercially available strengths. Application of a partial FTP allows for more flexibility in dosing. Yet, very little information is provided in the literature to suggest a procedure for applying partial FTP. A technique of using a partially occluded FTP is presented in an effort to encourage further study of this and perhaps other techniques.
authors.affiliation: Albany Medical Center, New York, USA.
authors.forename: Amy
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Mitchell
authors.forename: Howard S
authors.initials: HS
authors.lastname: Smith
mesh_terms: D000268:Adhesiveness; D000279:Administration, Cutaneous; D000701:Analgesics, Opioid / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D002648:Child; D004304:Dosage Forms; D005283:Fentanyl / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D006801:Humans; D010146:Pain / Q000188:drug therapy*; D018570:Risk Assessment; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000701:Analgesics, Opioid; D004304:Dosage Forms; D005283:Fentanyl