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Controlled release morphine tablets: a double‐blind trial in patients with advanced cancer
Author(s) -
HANKS G. W.,
TWYCROSS R. G.,
BLISS J. M.
Publication year - 1987
Publication title -
anaesthesia
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.839
H-Index - 117
eISSN - 1365-2044
pISSN - 0003-2409
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2044.1987.tb04107.x
Subject(s) - medicine , morphine , cancer pain , anesthesia , regimen , crossover study , opioid , analgesic , adverse effect , randomized controlled trial , cancer , placebo , alternative medicine , receptor , pathology
Summary Eighteen of 27 patients with pain due to advanced cancer, completed a randomised crossover comparison of4‐hourly aqueous morphine sulphate and twice daily controlled release morphine tablets. There was no difference between the two regimens in analgesic efficacy or adverse effects, but there was an apparent improvement in quality of sleep on the controlled release tablets. After completion of the study, 17 patients continued with the latter medication for periods that ranged from 2 days to 94 weeks (median 6.5 weeks). Controlled release morphine tablets given twice daily provide a simpler and more convenient treatment regimen than a 4‐hourly opioid for patients with cancer pain, once they have been stabilised.