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Weant KA, Baum RA, Hile GB, Humphries RL, Metts EL, Miller AR, Woolum JA, Bailey AM. Nebulized medications in the emergency department: A narrative review of nontraditional agents. Am J Health Syst Pharm 2024; 81:88-105. [PMID: 37879862 DOI: 10.1093/ajhp/zxad273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE This article summarizes emerging nontraditional therapies administered via the nebulization route for use in the emergency department (ED). SUMMARY Although traditional routes of medication administration (eg, intravenous) have been the mainstay of administration modalities for decades, these routes may not be appropriate for all patients. Nowhere is this more readily apparent than in the ED setting, where patients with a variety of presentations receive care. One unique route for medication administration that has increasingly gained popularity in the ED is that of aerosolized drug delivery. This route holds promise as direct delivery of medications to the site of action could yield a more rapid and effective therapeutic response while also minimizing systemic adverse effects by utilizing a fraction of the systemic dose. Medication administration via nebulization also provides an alternative that is conducive to rapid, less invasive access, which is advantageous in the emergent setting of the ED. This review is intended to analyze the existing literature regarding this route of administration, including the nuances that can impact drug efficacy, as well as the available literature regarding novel, noncommercial nebulized medication therapy given in the ED. CONCLUSION Multiple medications have been investigated for administration via this route, and when implementing any of these therapies several practical considerations must be taken into account, from medication preparation to administration, to ensure optimal efficacy while minimizing adverse effects. The pharmacist is an essential bedside team member in these scenarios to assist with navigating unique and complex nuances of this therapy as they develop.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyle A Weant
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Outcome Sciences, University of South Carolina College of Pharmacy, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Regan A Baum
- University of Kentucky HealthCare, Lexington, KY, and University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy, Lexington, KY, USA
| | | | - Roger L Humphries
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Kentucky HealthCare, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Elise L Metts
- University of Kentucky HealthCare, Lexington, KY, and University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Amy R Miller
- University of South Carolina College of Pharmacy, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Jordan A Woolum
- University of Kentucky HealthCare, Lexington, KY, and University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Abby M Bailey
- University of Kentucky HealthCare, Lexington, KY, and University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy, Lexington, KY, USA
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Bailey AM, Weant KA. Put It in the Air? Nebulized Opioids in the Emergency Department. Adv Emerg Nurs J 2023; 45:260-269. [PMID: 37885077 DOI: 10.1097/tme.0000000000000480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
The emergency department (ED) is a frequent utilizer of alternative routes of medication administration (e.g., intranasal) for a variety of indications. Over the last several years, investigations into the use of medications via the nebulization route have greatly increased, with varying degrees of efficacy identified. This route has multiple theoretical advantages. Medications affecting bronchopulmonary function or secretions can be administered directly to the site of action, possibly utilizing a lower dose and hence minimizing side effects. It is also possible to have a faster onset of action compared with other routes, given the enhanced surface area for absorption. One group of medications that has been explored via this route of administration, and is frequently administered in EDs across the nation, is opioids, most notably fentanyl, hydromorphone, and morphine. However multiple questions exist regarding the implementation of these therapies via this route, including efficacy, dosing, and the functional aspects of medication administration that are more complex than that of more traditional routes. The intent of this review is to explore the supporting literature behind the use of nebulized opioids, most specifically fentanyl, hydromorphone, and morphine, in the ED for the treatment of acute pain presentations and provide the most up-to-date guidance for practitioners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abby M Bailey
- Department of Pharmacy Services, University of Kentucky HealthCare, University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy, Lexington (Dr Bailey); and Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Outcomes Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia (Dr Weant)
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Iupati S, Bridge R, Allan S, Hewitt D. Intranasal Fentanyl Versus Placebo for Treatment of Episodic Breathlessness in Hospice Patients With Advanced Nonmalignant Diseases. J Pain Symptom Manage 2021; 61:1035-1041. [PMID: 33186729 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2020.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Revised: 10/02/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Episodic breathlessness is a distressing and difficult to treat symptom because of its short duration. Fast actioned intranasal fentanyl (INF) is potentially more suitable than oral opioids. OBJECTIVES To examine the feasibility, preliminary efficacy, and safety of INF for the treatment of episodic breathlessness from advanced nonmalignant conditions in hospice patients. METHODS Phase IIB, double-blind, randomized controlled, multisite, INF citrate solution vs. placebo crossover feasibility study. Opioid-tolerant patients were to treat six episodes of breathlessness using INF spray. The primary outcome was change in the Visual Analogue Scale for dyspnea (VAS-D) score from baseline to 15 minutes after study drug's administration (VAS-D15). Other outcomes were to collect demographic data and determine the use of rescue medications, safety, and feasibility of the study design. RESULTS Twenty-one of 49 eligible patients were enrolled, and 19 (90%) patients completed the study. The mean difference in VAS-D15 between fentanyl and placebo was -3.37 mm (95% CI = -10.35 to 3.61 mm; P = 0.337). There was no statistically significant or clinically meaningful difference between INF and placebo in relieving the sensation of discomfort in episodic breathlessness. No significant drug-related adverse event or detrimental effect on vital signs was observed. CONCLUSION We found no difference between INF and placebo in relieving episodic breathlessness in nonmalignant conditions. INF was well tolerated, and the study design proved to be feasible in hospice patients with advanced diseases. Future study using higher concentration of fentanyl solution may be warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Simon Allan
- Arohanui Hospice, Palmerston North, New Zealand
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Fong S, Richman-Eisenstat J, Kalluri M. Buccal Hydromorphone Syrup for Managing Dyspnea in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis. Am J Hosp Palliat Care 2020; 38:1046-1052. [DOI: 10.1177/1049909120969126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Context: Dyspnea is a highly distressing symptom that characterizes idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), a common idiopathic interstitial lung disease (ILD) with a high symptom burden, poor quality of life, and early mortality. Though opioids are mentioned in guidelines for dyspnea management, guidance on how and when to initiate opioids is lacking. Different pharmacologic strategies are needed to address different types of dyspnea (baseline, incident, and crisis). Due to a longer onset of action, the oral route (swallowed) may be less effective for prevention of incident dyspnea or for rapid relief of crisis dyspnea, prompting the use of alternative drug delivery strategies for self-management. We inadvertently discovered the efficacy of buccal administration of low dose, low volume hydromorphone oral syrup for dyspnea management in ILD, which has not been previously reported in the literature. Case Series: We describe our approach to dyspnea assessment and management in IPF, including use of the Multidimensional Dyspnea Scale (MDDS), a novel instrument yet to be validated that we developed to better identify and categorize dyspnea into the types experienced by a patient with IPF over the course of a day. We then describe how buccal hydromorphone oral syrup is initiated and titrated for dyspnea management in 3 patients at different points in their disease trajectory. Conclusion: Buccal hydromorphone oral syrup is effective for dyspnea management across the spectrum of IPF. When integrated into a patient-centered algorithm for symptom assessment and management, it allows for rapid and easy self-management of dyspnea by patients and their caregivers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shannon Fong
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Janice Richman-Eisenstat
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Meena Kalluri
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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Janssen DJA, van den Beuken-van Everdingen MHJ, Verberkt CA, Creemers JPHM, Wouters EFM. Fentanyl nasal spray in a patient with end-stage COPD and severe chronic breathlessness. Breathe (Sheff) 2019; 15:e122-e125. [PMID: 31777575 PMCID: PMC6876137 DOI: 10.1183/20734735.0183-2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic breathlessness syndrome, defined as breathlessness that persists despite optimal treatment of the underlying pathophysiology, resulting in disability, is a major problem for patients with advanced chronic lung disease, and can be difficult to manage [1, 2]. Opioids should be considered for treatment of these patients [3]. Episodic breathlessness is severe worsening of breathlessness intensity, which can be predictable or unpredictable [4]. Episodic breathlessness can have a major impact on activities of daily life, but ∼90% of episodes last for 20 min or less [5]. Therefore, the selection of appropriate palliative pharmacological therapy is a complex issue. Indeed, the onset of action of short-acting oral opioids is between 15 and 30 min [6]. The rapid onset of action (between 1 and 4 min [7]) is the major advantage of fentanyl nasal spray. This case report relates the experience and insight gained when fentanyl nasal spray was prescribed to a patient with end-stage chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and the lessons we have learned. Written informed consent for publication of the clinical details was obtained from the deceased patient's spouse. Insufficient control of chronic breathlessness may induce excessive use of fentanyl nasal spray in COPD patients. Prescription of fentanyl nasal spray for breathlessness should only be done as part of palliative treatment and requires close follow-up.http://bit.ly/2YdOjJ1
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Affiliation(s)
- Daisy J A Janssen
- CIRO, Horn, The Netherlands.,Centre of Expertise for Palliative Care, Maastricht University Medical Centre (MUMC+), Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | | | - Cornelia A Verberkt
- Dept of Health Services Research, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | | | - Emiel F M Wouters
- CIRO, Horn, The Netherlands.,Dept of Respiratory Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Centre (MUMC+), Maastricht, The Netherlands
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Pieper L, Wager J, Zernikow B. Intranasal fentanyl for respiratory distress in children and adolescents with life-limiting conditions. BMC Palliat Care 2018; 17:106. [PMID: 30200942 PMCID: PMC6131941 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-018-0361-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2018] [Accepted: 08/31/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Respiratory distress is one of the most common and frightening symptoms of children with life-limiting conditions. Because treatment of the underlying cause is frequently impossible or insufficient, in many children, symptomatic treatment is warranted. The purpose of this study was to describe the circumstances of the use of intranasal fentanyl in an acute attack of respiratory distress (AARD) in children receiving palliative care, as well as to describe outcomes and adverse events after its use. Methods Children and adolescents treated in a pediatric palliative unit or attended by a specialized home care team between 2010 and 2016 were included in this study. A retrospective chart review was conducted of those who were treated with intranasal fentanyl for an AARD. Results During the study period 16 children (0.5–18.6 years) with various life-limiting conditions were treated with intranasal fentanyl for AARD. In total, 70 AARDs were analyzed. In 74% of all AARDs, a single dose of intranasal fentanyl was used. Frequent causes for an AARD were excessive secretions and acute respiratory infection. The median starting dose of intranasal fentanyl was 1.5 μg/kg body weight. Labored breathing (96%), tachypnea (79%) and related suffering (97%) improved after treatment. An adverse event occurred in one child. Conclusions Intranasal fentanyl may be a safe and effective medication for the treatment of acute attacks of respiratory distress in children with life-limiting conditions. However, prospective studies with larger sample sizes and a control group are needed to validate these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas Pieper
- Department of Children's Pain Therapy and Paediatric Palliative Care, Witten/Herdecke University, Faculty of Health - School of Medicine, Witten, Germany
| | - Julia Wager
- Department of Children's Pain Therapy and Paediatric Palliative Care, Witten/Herdecke University, Faculty of Health - School of Medicine, Witten, Germany.,Paediatric Palliative Care Centre, Children's and Adolescents' Hospital Datteln, Dr.-Friedrich-Steiner-Str.5, 45711, Datteln, Germany
| | - Boris Zernikow
- Department of Children's Pain Therapy and Paediatric Palliative Care, Witten/Herdecke University, Faculty of Health - School of Medicine, Witten, Germany. .,Paediatric Palliative Care Centre, Children's and Adolescents' Hospital Datteln, Dr.-Friedrich-Steiner-Str.5, 45711, Datteln, Germany.
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Wahler RG, Smith DB, Mulcahy KB. Nebulized Fentanyl for Dyspnea in a Hospice Patient with True Allergy to Morphine and Hydromorphone. J Pain Palliat Care Pharmacother 2017; 31:38-42. [DOI: 10.1080/15360288.2017.1279499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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Cabezón-Gutiérrez L, Khosravi-Shahi P, Custodio-Cabello S, Muñiz-González F, Cano-Aguirre MDP, Alonso-Viteri S. Opioids for management of episodic breathlessness or dyspnea in patients with advanced disease. Support Care Cancer 2016; 24:4045-55. [PMID: 27334130 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-016-3316-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2016] [Accepted: 06/13/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Episodic breathlessness (EB) or dyspnea is a common symptom with a very negative impact on the quality of life of patients with cancer and with non-oncological advanced diseases, mainly cardiorespiratory and neurological. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this non-systematic review is to ascertain the role played by opioids in the management of episodic breathlessness. METHODS A non-systematic literature review was done in the databases MEDLINE, COCHRANE, and DATABASE, and articles of greater scientific rigor, mainly reviews or prospective studies/randomized clinical trials published to date (August 2015), were selected. Terms used in the search included episodic breathlessness, acute breathlessness, episodic dyspnea, opioids, morphine, fentanyl, oxycodone, and breakthrough dyspnea. CONCLUSIONS Although the pathophysiology and mechanism of action of opioids for management of breathlessness, and specifically EB, are not fully known, there is scientific evidence, and particularly great clinical evidence, of the benefit of this drug class for dyspnea management. It is important to differentiate hospitalized patients from outpatients because venous or subcutaneous access is easier in hospitalized patients, but use of transmucosal fentanyl, especially in faster formulations like intranasal application, opens up new possibilities to manage outpatients due to its fast onset of action. The main problem is the lack of data available and the multitude of unanswered questions about opioid type, administration route, safety, and dose titration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis Cabezón-Gutiérrez
- Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Universitario de Torrejón, Mateo Inurria Street s/n, CP 28850, Torrejón de Ardoz, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Parham Khosravi-Shahi
- Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Universitario de Torrejón, Mateo Inurria Street s/n, CP 28850, Torrejón de Ardoz, Madrid, Spain
| | - Sara Custodio-Cabello
- Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Universitario de Torrejón, Mateo Inurria Street s/n, CP 28850, Torrejón de Ardoz, Madrid, Spain
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE To provide a systematic review of the current role of nebulized fentanyl in acute pain and potentially other conditions. DATA SOURCES A MEDLINE literature search inclusive of the dates 1946 to May 2016 was performed using the following search terms: fentanyl and administration, inhaled Excerpta Medica was searched from 1980 to May 2016 using the following search terms: exp fentanyl/inhalation drug administration Additionally, Web of Science was searched using the terms fentanyl and pain inclusive of 1945 to May 2016. STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION We utilized the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines to select English language, human primary literature, review articles, and supporting data assessing the efficacy of nebulized fentanyl in acute pain. DATA SYNTHESIS Seven clinical trials have demonstrated no difference in efficacy between nebulized fentanyl and intravenous (IV) opioids. Few adverse effects were reported; however, the trials were of short duration. Nebulized fentanyl appeared to be a rapid-acting analgesic that does not require IV access. CONCLUSION Evidence suggests that nebulized fentanyl is as effective as IV opioids in the treatment of acute pain, with relatively few adverse effects. However, questions remain about the extemporaneous preparation of fentanyl nebulized solution, the variability in nebulization devices, and ensuring consistent drug delivery to distal airways in the clinical setting. The abuse potential of nebulized fentanyl should also be considered.
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O'Donnell DE, Webb KA, Harle I, Neder JA. Pharmacological management of breathlessness in COPD: recent advances and hopes for the future. Expert Rev Respir Med 2016; 10:823-34. [PMID: 27115291 DOI: 10.1080/17476348.2016.1182867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Activity-related breathlessness is often the dominant symptom in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and usually persists despite optimal medical therapy. Currently, our inability to meaningfully alter the pathophysiology of the underlying disease means that we must focus our attention on relieving this distressing symptom so as to improve exercise tolerance and quality of life. AREAS COVERED The current review examines the neurobiology of breathlessness and constructs a solid physiological rationale for amelioration of this distressing symptom. We will examine the efficacy of interventions which: 1) reduce the increased central drive to breathe (opioids); 2) improve the respiratory system's ability to appropriately respond to this increased demand (bronchodilators); and 3) address the important affective dimension of breathlessness (anxiolytics). Expert commentary: Advances in our understanding of the mechanisms of activity-related breathlessness in COPD, and its measurement in the clinical domain, now set the stage for the development of effective management strategies on an individual patient basis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denis E O'Donnell
- a Department of Medicine , Queen's University & Kingston General Hospital , Kingston , ON , Canada
| | - Katherine A Webb
- a Department of Medicine , Queen's University & Kingston General Hospital , Kingston , ON , Canada
| | - Ingrid Harle
- a Department of Medicine , Queen's University & Kingston General Hospital , Kingston , ON , Canada
| | - J Alberto Neder
- a Department of Medicine , Queen's University & Kingston General Hospital , Kingston , ON , Canada
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