Abstract

HOLGADO, MA  and  CANDIL-RECIO, J. Current situation of different fentanyl delivery systems in Spain. Rev. OFIL·ILAPHAR [online]. 2020, vol.30, n.3, pp.240-250.  Epub Apr 05, 2021. ISSN 1699-714X.  https://dx.doi.org/10.4321/s1699-714x2020000300015.

Pain is one of the main consultations carried out in Primary Care, being one of the most prevalent symptoms in cancer patients. Its correct diagnosis and the choice of a suitable medication for each type of pain are essential.

Fentanyl is an opioid analgesic widely used for the treatment of severe pain. It is available in various pharmaceutical forms for different routes of administration. Pharmaceutical forms of immediate release are used for the treatment of breakthrough cancer pain because this type of pain is sudden, intense and short-lived, so a quick-onset drug with short action is required. These pharmaceutical forms are transmucosal absorption (oral and nasal), since this route allows rapid absorption of the drug and high bioavailability. The pharmaceutical forms that achieve this rapid effect are: sucking tablets with integrated oral applicator, oral and sublingual tablets, oral films and intranasal preparations. It should be noted that these medications, although they contain the same active substance, have differences in their pharmacokinetic profiles, so they are not interchangeable.

The forms of controlled release currently marketed are transdermal patches. These are used for the treatment of chronic or basal pain since they allow maintaining constant plasma levels of the drug.

Keywords : Fentanyl; breakthrough pain; chronic pain; transmucosal absorption; immediate release; delayed release.

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