Hydromorphone (OROS): Its efficacy in acute and chronic pain

Pain control in chronic and acute disease conditions such as cancer pain or post-operative pain is often adequate with the help of appropriate pharmacological agent. A comprehensive review of numerous studies conducted to evaluate the efficacy of hydromorphone (OROS) for the management of acute and chronic pain was performed. Data from 17 controlled trials were reviewed, taking into consideration the usefulness of hydromorphone for the management of chronic and acute pain. Heterogeneity of the studies and the small number of patients involved made the conclusion difficult. Overall the studies found that osmotic-controlled released oral delivery system (OROS) hydromorphone that is effective in the management of chronic pain. But comparative studies with other opioid analgesics find little difference in efficacy and side effect profile. OROS hydromorphone is effective in the management of chronic pain, but it’s usefulness in acute pain is less conclusive.   Key words: Hydromorphone, osmotic-controlled released oral delivery system (OROS), chronic pain, acute pain.