Pharmaceutical Care for A Patient with Delirium and Drowsiness Induced by Oxycodone Hydrochloride Prolonged-release Tablet During the Cancer Pain Treatment / 医药导报

ABSTRACT

Objective To discuss the pharmaceutical care protocol and methods for clinical pharmacists taking part in cancer pain management. Methods A patient developed delirium and drowsiness after using oxycodone hydrochloride prolonged-release tablet ( OXYCONTIN) and morphine hydrochloride tablet for pain titration treatment. The clinical pharmacist analyzed the reasons of delirium and drowsiness,and suggested a dose reduction of OXYCONTIN or converting OXYCONTIN to another opioid analgesic. Results The suggestion of the clinical pharmacist was partly accepted. After adjusting the treatment, the delirium and drowsiness disappeared gradually, and the pain was well controlled. Conclusion In clinical practice, especially when faced with a rare adverse drug reaction, clinical pharmacists are helpful for ensuring the safety and effectiveness in pain management, as well as improving the level of the treatment, by the implementation of individualized drug therapy.