Journal Article

Critical appraisal of extended-release hydrocodone for chronic pain: patient considerations

Paul, Dennis, Gould, III, Harry

2015

نظرة عامة

Opioid analgesics are currently the most effective pharmacologic option for the management of both acute and chronic forms of moderate-to-severe pain. Although the \"as-needed\" use of immediate-release formulations is considered optimum for treating acute, painful episodes of limited duration, the scheduled dosing of extended-release formulations with immediate-release supplementation for breakthrough pain is regarded to be most effective for managing chronic conditions requiring around-the-clock treatment. The recent introduction of extended-release formulations of the opioid analgesic hydrocodone potentially broadened the possibility of providing pain relief for individuals for whom current formulations are either ineffective or not tolerated. However, reaction to the approval of the new formulations has fueled controversy over the general safety and need for opioid medications, in light of their potential for misuse, abuse, diversion, and addiction. Here, we discuss how the approval of extended-release formulations of hydrocodone and the emotionally charged controversy over their release may affect physician prescribing and the care available to patients in need of chronic opioid therapy for the management of pain.

• الناشر: Dove Medical Press Limited,Taylor & Francis Ltd,Dove Medical Press
• موضوع: Analgesics / Analysis / Chronic illnesses / Chronic pain / Drug abuse / Drug dosages / Drug overdose / Health care policy / Narcotics / Opioids / Pain management / Quality of life / Review / Substance abuse treatment