Gan to kagaku ryoho. Cancer & chemotherapy
-
Gan To Kagaku Ryoho · Feb 2006
Comparative Study[Direct conversion from low-dose morphine to transdermal fentanyl: efficacy for cancer pain and quality of life].
The efficacy and QOL in a cancer pain patient who converted to transdermal fentanyl from low-dose morphine (n=5) or high-dose morphine (n=5) were retrospectively compared. Cancer pain control was evaluated by visual analogue scales (VAS) score. ⋯ The number of morphine rescues was also significantly less in the low-dose conversion group. In conclusion, conversion from low-dose morphine is useful for cancer pain control from the aspect of efficacy and QOL.
-
Gan To Kagaku Ryoho · Feb 2006
Case Reports[Three cases of drug-induced akathisia due to antiemetics during cancer palliative care].
Three cases of drug-induced akathisia during palliative care in terminal cancer patients were reported. Antiemetics (metoclopramide and prochlorperazine) possessing a central antidopaminergic effect were suspected to have caused the akathisia. Akathisia, as well as extrapyramidal symptoms, is a common and unpleasant complex neurobehavioral adverse effect of conventional antipsychotic drugs. ⋯ Drugs which have been found to have some efficacy in the treatment of akathisia are anticholinergics, beta-blockers, benzodiazepines and clonidine. Though a number of other treatments have been proposed, no trial-based evidences for treatment of akathisia have been available. It is important that akathisia is recognized and treated appropriately as an adverse reaction to drugs and a further increase in antipsychotic medication dosage may further exacerbate the condition.