BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Approximately 4.5 million people will have more than 80 years of age by 2020. Very often, this population needs polypharmacy to control pain. This study aimed at evaluating the effectiveness, cost and safety of a single daily dose of controlled-release hydromorphone in patients aged > 80 years. METHOD: Eight patients (82 to 89 years old, fourth age) and two patients (93 and 99 years old, extreme old age) were evaluated. All were under opioids, antidepressants, non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs, paracetamol and anticonvulsants to control pain. All analgesic drugs were replaced by a daily 8 mg tablet of controlled-release hydromorphone (OROS). Pain and adverse effects were evaluated. RESULTS: The number of daily tablets to control pain was decreased from 6-7 to one hydromorphone tablet. The morning gastric malaise sensation, secondary to the ingestion of a large number of tablets has decreased. There were no nausea or distemper. There were no reports on daily sleepiness and patients have referred a better sleeping pattern. CONCLUSION: Replacing polypharmacy by a daily hydromorphone tablet has improved the analgesic pattern, with low incidence of adverse effects in elderly patients with chronic pain and it may be considered a good alternative to control pain and improve quality of life of this population.
Analgesia; Elderly; Hydromorphone; Pain
