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Narcotic analgesics for chronic pain management

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Current Review of Pain Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

“Narcotic” or opioid analgesics are the most efficacious treatment for moderate to severe pain. Expertise in opioid therapy is the single most important factor in the successful management of cancer pain. However, the field of opioid therapy is complex and rapidly evolving. Newer formulations of old opioid analgesics are emerging. Novel routes of administration including transdermal, transmucosal, intranasal, and subcutaneous, iontophoresis are becoming clinically useful. Concepts like pseudoaddiction, opiophobia, and pseudo-opioid resistance are important in the clinical use of opioid analgesics. New toxic manifestations are being observed.The use of opioid analgesics in chronic nonmalignant pain and the social responsibilities of patients on long-term opioid therapy are still controversial. Guidelines are available in some cases. Regulations of opioid analgesics are evolving.

New drug formulation, pharmacokinetic modulation, and controlled clinical trials will provide future advancements.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Veterans Affairs Medical Center, University of Mississippi School of Medicine, 1500 E. Woodrow Wilson, 39216, Jackson, MS, USA

    Ike Eriator MD, MPH

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  1. Ike Eriator MD, MPH
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Eriator, I. Narcotic analgesics for chronic pain management. Current Review of Pain 2, 193–200 (1998). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11916-998-0019-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11916-998-0019-0

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