Are we still scratching the surface? A case of intractable pruritus following systemic opioid analgesia

Dana Tarcatu, MD; Cristina Tamasdan, MD; Natalie Moryl, MD; Eugenie Obbens, MD, PhD

doi:10.5055/jom.2007.0055

Authors

Dana Tarcatu, MD
Cristina Tamasdan, MD
Natalie Moryl, MD
Eugenie Obbens, MD, PhD

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5055/jom.2007.0055

Keywords:

pruritus, systemic opioids, opioid rotation

Abstract

This article describes a case of severe opioid-induced pruritus following systemic morphine administration. Symptoms did not resolve after administration of antihistamines or rotation to fentanyl or hydromorphone, but oral oxycodone and small-dose intravenous naloxone did alleviate the patient’s itching. The pathogenesis of opioidinduced pruritus and the rationale for opioid rotation are briefly discussed. Current and possible future therapeutic options are mentioned.

Author Biographies

Dana Tarcatu, MD

Fellow, Pain and Palliative Care, Department of Neurology, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York.

Cristina Tamasdan, MD

Fellow, Pain and Palliative Care, Department of Neurology, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York.

Natalie Moryl, MD

Attending, Pain and Palliative Care, Department of Neurology, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York.

Eugenie Obbens, MD, PhD

Acting Chief, Pain and Palliative Care, Department of Neurology, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York.

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