Abstracto

Clinical application of extended-release hydromorphone for pain management

Jay S Grider

The osmotic controlled-release oral delivery system (OROS®) is being utilized more frequently for once-daily dosing of a variety of medications. While sustained-release formulations of other opioids are currently available in the USA, at present there is no extended-release hydromorphone product on the market. With regard to OROS hydromorphone, a candidate to fill this niche, there is growing evidence to suggest that stable plasma levels can be achieved with tolerable side effects. Furthermore, the drug-delivery system appears to provide reliable opioid release when dosed with food and alcohol.