Twice-daily versus once-daily morphine sulphate controlled-release suppositories for the treatment of cancer pain - A randomized controlled trial

Citation
E. Bruera et al., Twice-daily versus once-daily morphine sulphate controlled-release suppositories for the treatment of cancer pain - A randomized controlled trial, SUPP CARE C, 7(4), 1999, pp. 280-283
Citations number
16
Categorie Soggetti
Health Care Sciences & Services
Journal title
SUPPORTIVE CARE IN CANCER
ISSN journal
09414355 → ACNP
Volume
7
Issue
4
Year of publication
1999
Pages
280 - 283
Database
ISI
SICI code
0941-4355(199907)7:4<280:TVOMSC>2.0.ZU;2-E
Abstract
We evaluated the safety and efficacy of controlled-release morphine sulphat e suppositories administered 12-hourly and once daily in patients with chro nic cancer in a randomized double-blind crossover trial. Pain was assessed using a 100-mm VAS pain scale and a five-point ordinal pain scale. The VAS pain intensity score was 17.5 +/- 17.2 after suppositories every 12 h, vers us 16.2 +/- 13.4 after suppositories every 24 h (difference not significant ). The difference between the mean VAS pain scores with 12-hourly and once- daily dosing was 1.3 mm. (not significant). The mean ordinal pain scores we re 11.0 +/- 0.7 versus 1.0 +/- 0.6 for 12-hourly and once-a-day dosing, res pectively (not significant). A retrospective power analysis indicated that a difference of 5.9 mm was detectable, even with only 6 patients. Adverse e vents noted were constipation, nausea, anorexia, and dry mouth. The use of once-a-day controlled-release morphine suppository is a more convenient and equally effective alternative to twice a day dosing.