Would The Administration Of Moderate To High Levels Of Analgesia Disguise A Patient's Ability To Recover?

Posted on Sat, 22 Feb 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 22 Feb 2014 Answered on

Tue, 11 Mar 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : Is it the case that moderate to high levels of palliative medication care only be given once it is established that a patient is terminal? More precisely, would the administration of moderate to high levels of analgesia disguise a patient's ability to recover? If not, what medications could be used in the case of a patient who is not able to swallow?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (1 hour later)

Brief Answer: Analgesics are toxic in long term. Detailed Answer: Dear Dalebroaddribb, I under stand your concern, because patients wants pain relief, but as a clinician we judge it according to long term result. We have to balance the dose on which patient has good pain relief but that drug should not harm the patient who is already ill. Some pain killers can delay healing process, can increase swelling, blood pressure and can harm kidney, liver and heart too. When a patient is terminal ill like cancer than doctor wants that his last days should be pain free and so we do not think too much about side effects. For your patient, analgesics patch can be used, which remain on skin like sticker. Also some injections can be used. Fantanyl, buprenorphine like drugs are safe for your patients as these drugs remain in body for very short time.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (42 minutes later)

Thank you Dr XXXXXXX for your advice. Would buprenorphine be as effective as hydromorphone 0.25 mg PRN 1-2 hourly but safer and less likely to disguise the patient's ability to recover?

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (9 minutes later)

I'm also concerned about whether any analgesia could lower BP too much or worsen dyspnea in a COPD patient. What would you advice to try to avoid this?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (24 minutes later)

Brief Answer: Fantanyl is best. Detailed Answer: Hydromorphone is more XXXXXXX for COPD patients,as it depresses respiration. As it is made up of morphine so addictive also. Although it is strong pain killer. Buprenorphine is safer. As I told you Fantanyl patches are best both in term of pain relief and side effect profile. You can discuss all choices with your doctor , decide accordingly.Take care.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad