Update: Reduce pain at dressing change

  • Published: 10 April 2007 11:00
  • Last Updated: 10 April 2007 16:29

VOL: 103, ISSUE: 15, PAGE NO: 36

Oral transmucosal fentanyl citrate (OTFC) improves analgesia during painful dressing changes, a randomised controlled trial has shown.

Oral transmucosal fentanyl citrate (OTFC) improves analgesia during painful dressing changes, a randomised controlled trial has shown.

Nine patients who experienced pain at these times were given entonox plus either a placebo or OTFC for two consecutive dressings. A significant reduction in pain was identified when they received OTFC compared with the placebo and required less entonox. Patients did not report side-effects such as sedation and vomiting.

Fentanyl is a potent opioid that is absorbed by the oral mucosa and can be given as a lozenge. Analgesia is rapid.