Oxycodone in management of postherpetic neuralgia with regard to patients with cancer disease

Introduction: Postherpetic neuralgia is the most common complication of Herpes zoster infection. Treatment consists of tricyclic antidepressants, anticonvulsants, opioids and topical treatment modalities. The oxycodon is considered to be the first choice opioid for neuropathic pain treatment.

The aim of the study was to asses the efficacy and safety of controlled-release oxycodone in combined therapy of postherpetic neuralgia.

Material and methods: The retrospective study was conducted among 16 out-patients, aged between 64-79 years, suffering from postherpetic neuralgia (Group I: 7 – patients with cancer disease, Group II: 9 – patients without cancer disease). Initially doses of used drugs were as follows oxycodone 10 mg/d, gabapentin 300 mg/d, amitryptilin 25 mg/d.The intensity of pain in numeric rating scale and incidence of adverse effects were assesed in the moment of starting the therapy and in 7, 14, 28 day of the treatment.

Results: The initial intensity of pain in the whole examined group was 8-10 points and 1-2 points on the 28th day of therapy. Nausea and vertigos were observed among 5 (31%) of the patients, vomiting among 2 (12%) of the patients, somnolence among 5 (31%) of the patients, constipations among 6 (37%) of the patients. We did not observe any serious adverse effects in both examined groups.

Conclusions: The controlled-release oxycodone in combined therapy of postherpetic neuralgia ensured the effective pain relief in the examined groups of patients, with the use of low doses of agents and lack of serious adverse effects.