title: Clinical and pharmacokinetic considerations of novel formulations of fentanyl for breakthrough cancer pain.
abstract: This review will provide an overview of pharmacokinetics and clinical practice considerations of the novel formulations of fentanyl for the treatment of breakthrough cancer pain. First, we provide a brief description of the physicochemical properties of fentanyl. Second, we describe the basic pharmacokinetics of fentanyl, the specifics of various formulations and how they affect pharmacokinetics of fentanyl. Finally, we offer the perspectives on clinical practices in the proper uses of these products. Advancements in the formulations and delivery of fentanyl have provided a safer and more effective treatment for breakthrough cancer pain. These dosage forms offer overlapping yet distinct pharmacokinetic advantages to allow more choices for physicians and patients in the management of breakthrough cancer pain.
authors.affiliation: Pharmacokinetics & Clinical Pharmacology, Depomed Inc., Newark, CA, USA.
authors.forename: Cuiping
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.forename: Anita
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Gupta
mesh_terms: D059390:Breakthrough Pain / Q000188:drug therapy*; D002626:Chemistry, Pharmaceutical; D005283:Fentanyl / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000493:pharmacokinetics* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000150:complications*
chemical_list: D005283:Fentanyl
keywords: breakthrough cancer pain; clinical practice; fentanyl; formulation; opioid; pharmacokinetics