[Opioids for noncancer pain in the elderly].
BACKGROUND
Opioids are increasingly used in the elderly. Side effects differ compared to other analgesics.


OBJECTIVE
In this review article, special aspects about using opioids for noncancer pain in older people and in geriatric patients are identified.


BACKGROUND
So far randomized controlled trials for the indication of and comparison between various opioids have been performed in middle-aged patients and not exclusively in geriatric patients or elderly (> 75 years). Furthermore, the evidence for multimorbid elderly patients with respect to side effects is also very poor.


CONCLUSIONS
The indication for opioid therapy should be narrow. The patient and their caregivers must be provided patient information regarding opioid therapy. The principle "start low, go slow" is highly recommended. To reduce the risk of falls, longer acting opioids should be used and short acting opioids should be avoided. Everyday relevant negative effects on cognition are possible in opioid use and have to be observed. As recommended in the recently published German guideline for long-term use of opioids in noncancer pain a critical check after 3 months and in case of dosing over 120 mg morphine equivalents is advisable, especially for older patients. Liver and kidney function and drug interactions have to be taken into consideration like in every age group.
Klinik für Geriatrie und Palliativmedizin, Diakonissenkrankenhaus, Speyerer Str. 91-93, 68163, Mannheim, Deutschland. matthias.schuler@diakonissen.de.
M
M
Schuler
Schmerzambulanz, Anästhesiologische Klinik, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Deutschland.
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N
Grießinger
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D059350:Chronic Pain / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004347:Drug Interactions; D019983:Guideline Adherence; D006801:Humans; D007677:Kidney Function Tests; D008111:Liver Function Tests; D009294:Narcotics / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D059408:Pain Management / Q000379:methods*; D010353:Patient Education as Topic
D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D009294:Narcotics
Accidental fall; Adverse effects, drugs; Delirium; Geriatrics; Multimorbidity