Controlled-release of opioids for improved pain management

• DOI: 10.1016/j.mattod.2016.01.016
• Publication Date: 2016-02-20T13:04:19Z
• Authors: Charlotte Martin; Andy De Baerdemaeker; Jan Poelaert; Annemieke Madder; Richard Hoogenboom; Steven Ballet
• Keywords: Drug Administration

The adequate treatment of pain remains one the major medical challenges. Morphine and other opioid drugs are most commonly used to counteract moderate severe pain, but they also increasingly accessed by patients with chronic non-malignant pain. To achieve long-term analgesia, therapy still represents standard for alleviation. This work presents an overview current strategies aiming at controlled release. Two important, intrinsically linked, features discussed in detail: formulations (i.e. polymer systems) applied drug administration routes. different routes their associated advantages limitations described. Links between chemical structure opioids suited modes made. review can potentially give insight into new opportunities relief a societal burden, means alternative (non-)opioid analgesics may serve as inspiration future developments this area.