The role of sublingual sufentanil nanotabs for pain relief.
BACKGROUND
The authors discuss a novel patient controlled analgesia system utilizing a preprogrammed device that delivers a small submucosal tablet of sufentanil.


METHODS
This submucosal sufentanil system is not yet commercially available. A literature review of the current patient controlled analgesia systems and current information of this device are discussed.


CONCLUSIONS
This novel device has the potential to enhance patient safety as it is preprogrammed and delivers a standard dose of sufentanil, a rapidly acting opioid devoid of active metabolites.
Memorial Hermann Memorial City Medical Center, Department of Anesthesiology , Houston, TX , USA Harold@MinkowitzMD.com.
Harold S
HS
Minkowitz
Keith
K
Candiotti
D000286:Administration, Sublingual; D016058:Analgesia, Patient-Controlled / Q000379:methods; D000701:Analgesics, Opioid / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000818:Animals; D006801:Humans; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000188:drug therapy*; D017409:Sufentanil / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013607:Tablets
D000701:Analgesics, Opioid; D013607:Tablets; D017409:Sufentanil
microtablet; pain; sublingual; sufentanil