Applying partially occluded fentanyl transdermal patches to manage pain in pediatric patients

Amy Mitchell, PharmD; Howard S. Smith, MD

doi:10.5055/jom.2010.0026

Authors

Amy Mitchell, PharmD
Howard S. Smith, MD

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5055/jom.2010.0026

Keywords:

fentanyl transdermal patch, pain, partially occluded patch, gradual titration

Abstract

Fentanyl transdermal patches (FTPs) have been used for many years in the treatment armamentarium for chronic pain. By design, FTPs release drug into the skin at a constant rate and thereby provide drug in a fashion similar to continuous intravenous infusion without the disadvantages of a venous catheter and the constant presence of an analgesia pump. Pediatric patients may require doses of FTP other than the five commercially available strengths. Application of a partial FTP allows for more flexibility in dosing. Yet, very little information is provided in the literature to suggest a procedure for applying partial FTP. A technique of using a partially occluded FTP is presented in an effort to encourage further study of this and perhaps other techniques.

Author Biographies

Amy Mitchell, PharmD

Clinical Pharmacy Specialist, Albany Medical Center, Albany, New York; Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, Albany Medical College, Albany, New York; Adjunct Professor of Pharmacy Practice, Albany College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences/University of Rhode Island School of Pharmacy, Albany, New York.

Howard S. Smith, MD

Academic Director of Pain Management, Albany Medical Center, Albany, New York; Associate Professor of Anesthesiology, Internal Medicine, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Albany Medical College, Albany, New York.

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