Comparing the effectiveness of intranasal fentanyl spray with oral transmucosal fentanyl citrate in breakthrough pain.
BACKGROUND
Breakthrough cancer pain (BTCP) is complex and severe, affecting quality of life and increasing hospitalisation. BTCP has a rapid onset that requires fast acting medication with minimal side effects.


OBJECTIVE
This article compares the effectiveness of intranasal fentanyl spray (INFS) and oral transmucosal fentanyl citrate (OTFC) and their alleviation of BTCP within 10 minutes of administration.


METHODS
The article considers pharmacokinetic and bioavailability studies demonstrating the efficacy of the route of administration, time-based effects of pain relief as well as patient preference.


CONCLUSIONS
The data collected indicates that INFS is more effective than OTFC for BTCP.
Clinical Nurse Specialist, Te Omanga Hospice, Lower Hutt, New Zealand.
Sarah E
SE
Shellard
Senior Lecturer and Clinical Pharmacologist, College of Health - Massey University, Auckland, New Zealand.
Felix S F
FS
Ram
Breakthrough cancer pain; Effective pain management; Intranasal fentanyl spray; Quality of life