A clinical snapshot of transdermal buprenorphine in pain management

New and effective analgesics for the treatment of pain are essential. Buprenorphine, a partial mu receptor agonist, offers unique physico-chemical and pharmacological qualities, making it an attractive first-choice opioid for the treatment of acute and chronic pain. Several delivery formulations are available including parental, sublingual tablet, sublingual solution and transdermal. The parental formulation has been administered intravenously, intramuscularly, epidurally and intrathecally. Transdermal patches allow the drug to be continuously absorbed through the skin and into the systemic circulation. This approach has been shown to have clinical benefit, along with high-level patient acceptability, compliance and improved quality of life. However, further randomised controlled trials are needed to focus on defining dose requirements in different pain states and the appropriateness and utilisation of adjuvant analgesics when required.