Abstract

RODRIGUEZ, René; DAZA, Paola  and  RODRIGUEZ, Mario Fernando. Uso de buprenorfina transdérmica en el alivio del dolor por cáncer . Rev. colomb. anestesiol. [online]. 2006, vol.34, n.4, pp.253-257. ISSN 0120-3347.

Strong opioids play an important role in the management of chronic moderate to severe pain. Opioids have been resolutely advocated as a treatment for cancer pain, and their use was formalised in the widely accepted three-step analgesic ladder set out by the World Health Organization. Among several important principles, the guidelines state that the analgesics used to treat chronic pain should not induce sudden serum concentration peaks, which are often responsible for adverse events. Moreover, WHO guidelines recommend the use of sustained-release formulations, which are effective and easy to self administer. Transdermal delivery systems (TDS) provide an effective solution to the problem of administering analgesics to patients with chronic pain. The active compound passively diffuses into the systemic circulation, allowing TDS to maintain therapeutic serum levels over 72 hours following a single application. The proven analgesic buprenorphine has a low molecular weight, high lipophilic and polar properties, and a high potency, combined with a favourable tolerability and low abuse potential. For these reasons buprenorphine is ideally suited for transdermal patch application. This new design releases buprenorphine at rates of 35 mcg/h over 72 hours, corresponding to 0.8 mg/day.

Keywords : Buprenorphine; opioids; analgesia; chronic pain; cancer pain; transdermal delivery.

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