Intranasal sufentanil and its emerging clinical Applications: Beyond its role in the emergency department

Shailendra Kapoor

doi:10.5055/jom.2012.0133

Authors

Shailendra Kapoor, MD

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5055/jom.2012.0133

Keywords:

INTRANASAL SUFENTANIL, EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT, pain control

Abstract

Dear Editor:

I read with great interest the recent article by Stephen et al.(

For instance, in a recent study, intranasal sufentanil was rated as a better alternative than prestudy breakthrough medication in 77 percent of patients with cancer. (

1) Intranasal sufentanil is rapidly emerging as a treatment alternative in a number of other scenarios besides its role in achieving effective pain control in the emergency department. Intranasal administration is safe and provides rapid relief in patients with cancer who experience breakthrough cancer pain. The low prevalence of systemic side effects makes it an ideal option in patients with cancer.2)

References

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Good P, Jackson K, Brumley D, et al.: Intranasal sufentanil for cancer-associated breakthrough pain. Palliat Med. 2009; 23: 54-58.

Mathieu N, Cnudde N, Engelman E, et al.: Intranasal sufentanil is effective for postoperative analgesia in adults. Can J Anaesth. 2006; 53: 60-66.

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