Abstract

RODRIGUEZ, R. F. et al. Comparison of the analgesic effectiveness of codeine plus paracetamol vs Tramadol in the Treatment of Cáncer Pain. Rev. Soc. Esp. Dolor [online]. 2008, vol.15, n.3, pp.154-159. ISSN 1134-8046.

Pain is the principal symptom in 70% of patients with severe cáncer. Analgesics therapy with a proper management controls pain in 80-90% of patients. Objective. Compare the analgesic efficacy and tolerability of codeine plus acetaminophen (CA) and tramadol clorhydrate (T) in the relief of cáncer pain. Method. A double blind, randomize controlled clinical trial was perform in patients with modérate to severe pain intensity. Randomly patients were assigned in a group for receiving codeine plus acetaminophen and in other group for receiving tramadol chlorhydrate for a three weeks period. Pain intensity was measure using a numeric scale from zero to ten in which modérate pain goes from 5-7, and severe pain goes from 8-10. Analgesic treatment was considered to be effective when pain disappear or become mild, 1-4 in the numeric scale. Results. One hundred fifteen patients participated, 59 receive CA and 56 T. In the group of patients that receive CA, 58% achieved pain relief with the initial dose of 150 mg/d and 8% responded to the double dose; 34% didn't experience pain relief. In the group patients treated with T pain relief occurred in 62% of patients with the initial dose of 200mg/d and 11% with the double dose; 27% didn't experienced pain relief. Differences between both groups were not significant in the analgesic efficacy. The tramadol group experienced in a significant way a higher incidence of adverse events of mild intensity: nausea (p: 0.05, RR: 0.62; IC95%: 0.38-1.01), dizziness (p: 0.04; RR: 0.58; IC95%: 0.33-1.01) and lost of appetite (p: 0.001; RR: 0.08; IC95%: 0.01-0.59). Conclusion. Efficacy of C and T during a treatment of 23 days was similar, no statistical differences were found. There were no differences in the analgesic effectiveness between CA and T in the management of cáncer pain. With the use of T a higher incidence of adverse events of mild intensity were reported.

Keywords : Codeine; Tramadol; Cáncer Pain; Opioid.

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