Mercadante, S., Villari, P., Ferrera, P., Mangione, S., & Casuccio, A. (2010). The use of opioids for breakthrough pain in acute palliative care unit by using doses proportional to opioid basal regimen. The Clinical Journal of Pain, 26(4), 306–309.
To determine the efficacy and safety of different opioids, used in doses proportional to basal opioid regimen, for the management of breakthrough pain (BTP)
The choice of opioids was based on clinical judgment. BTP dose was calculated at 20% of the daily dose. Opioids for BTP included IV morphine, oral transmucosal fentanyl citrate (OFTC), oral morphine, IV methadone, oral methadone, and oral oxycodone. Assessment was of pain intensity (PI) at baseline and at 15 minutes after administration.
Prospective descriptive study
Verbal rating scale, 0–10 points
Administration of 20% of the basal dose was effective in controlling BTP.
Results support mathematical calculation of the BTP dose to control BTP adequately. Nurses working in pain management and palliative care should be educated regarding equianalgesic conversion methods.