The role of sublingual sufentanil nanotabs for pain relief

Abstract

Introduction: The authors discuss a novel patient controlled analgesia system utilizing a preprogrammed device that delivers a small submucosal tablet of sufentanil.

Areas covered: This submucosal sufentanil system is not yet commercially available. A literature review of the current patient controlled analgesia systems and current information of this device are discussed.

Expert opinion: This novel device has the potential to enhance patient safety as it is preprogrammed and delivers a standard dose of sufentanil, a rapidly acting opioid devoid of active metabolites.

Keywords:

• microtablet
• pain
• sublingual
• sufentanil

Declaration of interest

HS Minkowitz has received research funding from AcelRx, Incline Pharma and The Medicines Co. He is a consultant for AcelRx and The Medicines Co. and has received honoraria from Acel RX. K Candiotti has been part of a clinical investigation sponsored by AcelRx. The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.

Notes

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