Comparing the effectiveness of intranasal fentanyl spray with oral transmucosal fentanyl citrate in breakthrough pain.

Background: Breakthrough cancer pain (BTCP) is complex and severe, affecting quality of life and increasing hospitalisation. BTCP has a rapid onset that requires fast acting medication with minimal side effects. Aim: This article compares the effectiveness of intranasal fentanyl spray (INFS) and oral transmucosal fentanyl citrate (OTFC) and their alleviation of BTCP within 10 minutes of administration. Method: The article considers pharmacokinetic and bioavailability studies demonstrating the efficacy of the route of administration, time-based effects of pain relief as well as patient preference. Conclusion: The data collected indicates that INFS is more effective than OTFC for BTCP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]