PHARMACOTHERAPY
by
e
e
KATHRYN A. WALK R PHARMD, BCPS, CPE/MARY LYNN MCPH RSON PHARMD, BCPS, FASPE, CPE
abstract: Although
the oral route is preferred for delivering medications, alternate routes
are often required to manage pain in a palliative care setting. Frequently it is not feasible
to use the oral route because of a patient’s disease progression, physical limitations, or
mental status changes. This article will focus on using the topical or transdermal route
effectively. Careful consideration of patient- and medication-related factors is required
before deciding that a topical or transdermal product is appropriate for a patient.
“Not every drug is suitable for topical or transdermal administration—no matter how creative we get…”
20 | PWJ | www.painweek.org
Q3 | 2013