Pain-Topics.org Offers Safety Tips for Avoiding Opioid Analgesic Risks in Patients with Kidney or Liver Disease
Opioid analgesics must be cautiously prescribed to avoid overdose, respiratory depression, and other adverse effects in patients with renal or hepatic dysfunction. A new evidence-based report from Pain-Topics.org provides vital clinical-safety guidance.
Chicago, IL, June 19, 2007 --(PR.com)-- Patients with kidney or liver disorders often need opioid analgesics for effective pain relief. However, there is a risk of opioid overdose or other adverse events in these patients due to the possibility of altered drug metabolism and clearance. Until now, there has been no comprehensive resource providing clinical information that supports specific opioid-dosing recommendations in these patients.
To access “Opioid Safety in Patients With Renal or Hepatic Dysfunction” go to:
http://www.pain-topics.org/opioid_rx/safety.php#RenalHepatic
This newly-released clinical-guidance report from Pain Treatment Topics – “Opioid Safety in Patients With Renal or Hepatic Dysfunction” by Sarah J. Johnson, PharmD – stresses that knowledge of opioid metabolism and excretion in patients with renal and/or hepatic dysfunction is essential for adequate pain relief while minimizing adverse effects. A comprehensive list of cautions and dosing recommendations relating to various opioids is provided.
Critical Prescribing Pointers in the Report:
In renal or hepatic dysfunction, usual or adjusted doses may be appropriate for opioids such as morphine, hydromorphone, or hydrocodone. Other opioids should be avoided at all times – including codeine, meperidine, and propoxyphene – and oxycodone should not be used in dialysis patients. Methadone and fentanyl are generally not first-line therapies although they can be carefully used in patients with renal dysfunction or on dialysis, but methadone is not advised in severe liver failure. For most patients with kidney or liver disease, either morphine or hydromorphone could be a good starting therapy if an opioid agent is appropriate for pain relief.
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The Pain-Topics.org website provides open and free access to noncommercial, evidence-based clinical news, information, research, and education on the causes and effective treatment of the many types of pain conditions. It is independently produced and is currently supported by an unrestricted educational grant from Mallinckrodt Inc., St. Louis, MO, a leading manufacturer of generic opioid analgesic products.
For other Pain Treatment Topics press releases, go to: http://www.pain-topics.org/newsroom.php
To access “Opioid Safety in Patients With Renal or Hepatic Dysfunction” go to:
http://www.pain-topics.org/opioid_rx/safety.php#RenalHepatic
This newly-released clinical-guidance report from Pain Treatment Topics – “Opioid Safety in Patients With Renal or Hepatic Dysfunction” by Sarah J. Johnson, PharmD – stresses that knowledge of opioid metabolism and excretion in patients with renal and/or hepatic dysfunction is essential for adequate pain relief while minimizing adverse effects. A comprehensive list of cautions and dosing recommendations relating to various opioids is provided.
Critical Prescribing Pointers in the Report:
In renal or hepatic dysfunction, usual or adjusted doses may be appropriate for opioids such as morphine, hydromorphone, or hydrocodone. Other opioids should be avoided at all times – including codeine, meperidine, and propoxyphene – and oxycodone should not be used in dialysis patients. Methadone and fentanyl are generally not first-line therapies although they can be carefully used in patients with renal dysfunction or on dialysis, but methadone is not advised in severe liver failure. For most patients with kidney or liver disease, either morphine or hydromorphone could be a good starting therapy if an opioid agent is appropriate for pain relief.
###
The Pain-Topics.org website provides open and free access to noncommercial, evidence-based clinical news, information, research, and education on the causes and effective treatment of the many types of pain conditions. It is independently produced and is currently supported by an unrestricted educational grant from Mallinckrodt Inc., St. Louis, MO, a leading manufacturer of generic opioid analgesic products.
For other Pain Treatment Topics press releases, go to: http://www.pain-topics.org/newsroom.php
Contact
Pain Treatment Topics
Stewart B. Leavitt, MA, PhD
847-724-3091
www.pain-topics.org
Stewart B. Leavitt, MA, PhD
847-724-3091
www.pain-topics.org
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