1
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Huang J, Edrees H, Lee G. A Case Series on Serotonin Syndrome from Concomitant use of linezolid With Methadone, Buprenorphine, and/or Dextroamphetamine. J Pharm Pract 2024; 37:780-785. [PMID: 37295073 DOI: 10.1177/08971900231182772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: The risk of serotonin syndrome (SS), especially when linezolid is used concomitantly with methadone, buprenorphine, and/or dextroamphetamine, remains widely unstudied and may limit the options for antimicrobial therapy in these patient populations. Methods: We reviewed all adult encounters on linezolid with concomitant methadone, buprenorphine, and/or dextroamphetamine from April 2016 to June 2022. The primary outcomes included characterizing prescribing preferences and prevalence of confirmed and possible serotonin syndrome using ICD-10 diagnosis codes, cyproheptadine administration, and electronic medical record chart review using the Hunter Serotonin Toxicity Criteria. Results: Overall, 194 encounters were evaluated. 16.5%, 17.8%, and 7.1% were on high dose methadone, buprenorphine, and dextroamphetamine, respectively. Mean duration of overlap with linezolid was 4.6, 3.3, and 7 days respectively. One confirmed and two possible cases of serotonin syndrome were identified. Conclusion: Linezolid may be considered in patients who are concomitantly on methadone, buprenorphine, and/or dextroamphetamine. In our analysis of 194 encounters, one definitive case and two possible cases of SS were identified. Additional real-world studies are necessary to identify if exposure and/or duration may be correlated with an increased risk of serotonin syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanne Huang
- Department of Pharmacy, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Pharmacy, UW Medicine, Valley Medical Center, Renton, WA, USA
| | - Heba Edrees
- Division of General and Internal Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Grace Lee
- Department of Pharmacy, UW Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
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2
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Transition From Methadone to Buprenorphine Using a Short-acting Agonist Bridge in the Inpatient Setting: A Case Study. J Addict Med 2021; 14:e274-e276. [PMID: 31977358 DOI: 10.1097/adm.0000000000000623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
: Methadone and buprenorphine are the most common medications for opioid use disorder. Buprenorphine is often the preferred medication because of fewer drug-drug interactions and fewer regulatory barriers. For these reasons, patients often desire to transition from methadone to buprenorphine, but this can be difficult because of the risk of precipitated withdrawal. There are protocols designed to minimize withdrawal; however, these can be time-consuming or infeasible due to formulation and dosage availability of buprenorphine. We describe an inpatient transition from methadone to buprenorphine using a hydromorphone bridge over a 7-day period. This method used commonly available dosages and formulations of buprenorphine. To our knowledge, this is the first time a method has been described that transitions a patient from methadone to buprenorphine using a short-acting opioid agonist bridge and readily available opioid dosages and formulations. This case provides a viable alternative for rapidly transitioning a patient from methadone to buprenorphine that can be used as a template for an alternative method to transitions between these medications.
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3
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Kumai M, Maeda Y, Miura M, Tsuruga K, Yamada T, Takekuma Y, Sugawara M. Serotonin Syndrome Developing Immediately after the Initiation of Low-Dose Methadone Therapy: A Case Report. Case Rep Oncol 2020; 13:281-284. [PMID: 32308591 PMCID: PMC7154242 DOI: 10.1159/000506443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2020] [Accepted: 02/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
We present a case in which serotonin syndrome developed immediately after the initiation of low-dose methadone following an increase in oxycodone dose and the initiation of duloxetine. The symptoms of serotonin syndrome were alleviated and later disappeared upon cessation of methadone alone. The case was a 47-year-old woman with a desmoid tumor. The administration of duloxetine (20 mg/day) was initiated while the patient took oxycodone sustained-release tablets (40 mg/day). The following day, excessive perspiration, chills, and tremors appeared after the initiation of 15 mg/day methadone. Discontinuation of methadone led to an alleviation of the symptoms which completely disappeared 3 days later. The results suggest that low-dose methadone can trigger serotonin syndrome as early as after the first dose. Thus, it is important to be aware of the risks and to immediately take action if symptoms appear.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masayoshi Kumai
- Department of Pharmacy, Hokkaido University Hospital, Sapporo, Japan
- Cancer Center Palliative Care Team, Hokkaido University Hospital, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Yosuke Maeda
- Cancer Center Palliative Care Team, Hokkaido University Hospital, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Mototsugu Miura
- Cancer Center Palliative Care Team, Hokkaido University Hospital, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Kenkichi Tsuruga
- Cancer Center Palliative Care Team, Hokkaido University Hospital, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Takehiro Yamada
- Department of Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hokkaido University of Science, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Yoh Takekuma
- Department of Pharmacy, Hokkaido University Hospital, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Mitsuru Sugawara
- Department of Pharmacy, Hokkaido University Hospital, Sapporo, Japan
- Laboratory of Pharmacokinetics, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
- *Mitsuru Sugawara, Department of Pharmacy, Hokkaido University Hospital, Kita 14-jo, Nishi 5-chome, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-8648 (Japan),
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Ott M, Mannchen JK, Jamshidi F, Werneke U. Management of severe arterial hypertension associated with serotonin syndrome: a case report analysis based on systematic review techniques. Ther Adv Psychopharmacol 2019; 9:2045125318818814. [PMID: 30886699 PMCID: PMC6413434 DOI: 10.1177/2045125318818814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2018] [Accepted: 08/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Serotonin syndrome is thought to arise from serotonin excess. In many cases, symptoms are mild and self-limiting. But serotonin syndrome can become life threatening, when neuromuscular hyperexcitability spins out of control. Uncontainable neuromuscular hyperexcitability may lead to cardiovascular complications, linked to extreme changes in blood pressure. Currently, there is little guidance on how to control blood pressure in hyperserotonergic states. We report a case with treatment-resistant arterial hypertension, followed by a clinical review (using systematic review principles and techniques) of the available evidence from case reports published between 2004 and 2016 to identify measures to control arterial hypertension associated with serotonin syndrome. We conclude that classic antihypertensives may not be effective for the treatment of severe hypertension associated with serotonin syndrome. Benzodiazepines may lower blood pressure. Patients with severe hypertension not responding to benzodiazepines may benefit from cyproheptadine, propofol or both. In severe cases, higher cyproheptadine doses than currently recommended may be necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Ott
- Department of Public Health and Clinical
Medicine – Medicine, Umeå University, 901 87 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Julie K. Mannchen
- Department of Public Health and Clinical
Medicine – Family Medicine, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | | | - Ursula Werneke
- Sunderby Research Unit, Department of Clinical
Sciences – Psychiatry, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
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5
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Amraei M, Mohamadpour M, Ahmadi MRH, Azizi M, Daemi A, Omidi M, Shirzadpour E. Histopathological study of liver tissue due to methadone consumption and its effect on liver enzymes and inflammatory indices in rat. DRUG DESIGN DEVELOPMENT AND THERAPY 2018; 12:3785-3795. [PMID: 30464409 PMCID: PMC6225910 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s182032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Background Methadone (MET)-based treatment is currently one of the best known approaches in the treatment of opioid dependence. It is claimed that MET use exerts adverse effects on the performance of some organs, especially liver. Thus, the present study aims to investigate MET effects on the hepatic tissue as well as its effect on the hepatic enzyme levels and inflammatory markers in rats. Materials and methods Twenty-eight mature male Wistar rats underwent an 8-week treatment in four equal groups including the control group (an ordinary daily dietary regime) as well as the experimental groups 1, 2, and 3 (an ordinary daily dietary regime and gavage-fed on MET syrup for 5, 20, and 40 mg/kg body weight per day). Blood samples were collected from all rats in the beginning and end of the study to measure their hepatic enzyme levels and inflammatory markers. In the end, their livers were subjected to histological examinations. Results The mean serum levels of hepatic enzymes (alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase) increased considerably across all the three groups that had received various dosages of MET (5, 20, and 40 mg/kg) in the end of the study as compared to the beginning of the study (P<0.001). It was also found that the inflammatory indicators (interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and C-reactive protein) rose significantly in the groups that had received various dosages of MET in contrast to the control group (P<0.01, P<0.001, and P<0.001, respectively). The histopathological images of the liver cross-sections revealed dosage-dependent tissue changes in the groups that had received various dosages of MET. Conclusion The present study tried to prove the adverse effects of MET in the development of liver damage. Since MET-based treatment is frequently prescribed by physicians for curing the addiction to narcotics, better strategies are required for its correct usage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mansour Amraei
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
| | - Mahmoud Mohamadpour
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran,
| | | | - Monireh Azizi
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
| | - Ahmad Daemi
- Department of Biochemistry, Student Research Committee, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
| | - Mohammad Omidi
- Department of Biochemistry, Student Research Committee, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
| | - Ehsan Shirzadpour
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran,
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6
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Wu DS, Wright SM. Clinical Excellence in Palliative Care: Examples From the Published Literature. Am J Hosp Palliat Care 2017; 35:1037-1042. [DOI: 10.1177/1049909117748882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: With the expansion of palliative care, the concept of clinical excellence is worthy of study and has not been described well in the literature. Objective: To apply the domains of clinical excellence, as proposed and published by the Miller Coulson Academy of Clinical Excellence, to the field of palliative care. Design: Review of the literature to identify episodes of superb palliative care delivered by individuals and teams. Measurement and Main Results: In reviewing 821 publications, we found multiple palliative care case reports to serve as exemplars for each of the distinct domains of clinical excellence. Conclusions: The domains of excellence are relevant and applicable to the field of palliative care. This article aims to inspire clinicians—and advance the field—by promoting thoughtful reflection on what clinical excellence in palliative care entails.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Shih Wu
- Palliative Care Program, Division of General Internal Medicine, Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Scott M. Wright
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Brent J, Burkhart K, Dargan P, Hatten B, Megarbane B, Palmer R, White J. Adverse Drug Reactions in the Intensive Care Unit. CRITICAL CARE TOXICOLOGY 2017. [PMCID: PMC7153447 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-17900-1_33] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) are undesirable effects of medications used in normal doses [1]. ADRs can occur during treatment in an intensive care unit (ICU) or result in ICU admissions. A meta-analysis of 4139 studies suggests the incidence of ADRs among hospitalized patients is 17% [2]. Because of underreporting and misdiagnosis, the incidence of ADRs may be much higher and has been reported to be as high as 36% [3]. Critically ill patients are at especially high risk because of medical complexity, numerous high-alert medications, complex and often challenging drug dosing and medication regimens, and opportunity for error related to the distractions of the ICU environment [4]. Table 1 summarizes the ADRs included in this chapter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey Brent
- Department of Medicine, Division of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Colorado, School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado USA
| | - Keith Burkhart
- FDA, Office of New Drugs/Immediate Office, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, Silver Spring, Maryland USA
| | - Paul Dargan
- Clinical Toxicology, St Thomas’ Hospital, Silver Spring, Maryland USA
| | - Benjamin Hatten
- Toxicology Associates, University of Colorado, School of Medicine, Denver, Colorado USA
| | - Bruno Megarbane
- Medical Toxicological Intensive Care Unit, Lariboisiere Hospital, Paris-Diderot University, Paris, France
| | - Robert Palmer
- Toxicology Associates, University of Colorado, School of Medicine, Denver, Colorado USA
| | - Julian White
- Toxinology Department, Women’s and Children’s Hospital, North Adelaide, South Australia Australia
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8
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Dinis-Oliveira RJ. Metabolomics of methadone: clinical and forensic toxicological implications and variability of dose response. Drug Metab Rev 2016; 48:568-576. [DOI: 10.1080/03602532.2016.1192642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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9
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Hillman AD, Witenko CJ, Sultan SM, Gala G. Serotonin Syndrome Caused by Fentanyl and Methadone in a Burn Injury. Pharmacotherapy 2015; 35:112-7. [DOI: 10.1002/phar.1528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ashley D. Hillman
- Department of Pharmacy; The University of North Carolina Hospitals and Clinics; Chapel Hill North Carolina
| | - Corey J. Witenko
- Department of Pharmacy; The University of North Carolina Hospitals and Clinics; Chapel Hill North Carolina
| | - Said M. Sultan
- Department of Pharmacy; The University of North Carolina Hospitals and Clinics; Chapel Hill North Carolina
| | - Gary Gala
- Department of Psychiatry; The University of North Carolina Hospitals and Clinics; Chapel Hill North Carolina
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10
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Taberna M, Villavicencio-Chávez C, González-Barboteo J. [Use of methadone in the elderly with cancer pain: a systematic review]. Rev Esp Geriatr Gerontol 2014; 49:129-136. [PMID: 24457178 DOI: 10.1016/j.regg.2013.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2013] [Revised: 08/07/2013] [Accepted: 08/30/2013] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To identify the clinical use of methadone as an analgesic in the management of cancer pain in elderly patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS We performed a systemic review of the literature on the specific use of methadone in elderly with cancer pain in MEDLINE, COCHRANE DATABASE and SCOPUS. A second search was conducted in MEDLINE to look for clinical trials and systematic review of the use of methadone in cancer pain, selecting only those in which the mean age of patients was ≥ 65 years old. RESULTS Four articles were obtained in the first search, and from the second 7 clinical trials, none of them specific to methadone use in elderly patients with cancer. CONCLUSIONS There are insufficient data on the use of methadone as an analgesic in the elderly with cancer. Given its pharmacological characteristics it must be used by trained personnel. Several recommendations are proposed for its use as an analgesic in the treatment of cancer pain in the elderly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miren Taberna
- Servicio de Oncología Médica, Institut Català d́Oncologia, Hospital Duràn i Reynals, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, España
| | - Christian Villavicencio-Chávez
- Servicio de Cuidados Paliativos, Institut Català d́Oncologia, Hospital Duràn i Reynals, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, España; Grup de Cures Pal·liatives, Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica de Bellvitge (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, España; Facultat de Medicina, Universitat Internacional de Catalunya, Barcelona, España
| | - Jesús González-Barboteo
- Servicio de Cuidados Paliativos, Institut Català d́Oncologia, Hospital Duràn i Reynals, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, España; Grup de Cures Pal·liatives, Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica de Bellvitge (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, España; Càtedra de Cures Pal·liatives-Centre d'Estudis Sanitaris i Socials, Universitat de Vic, Vic, España; Comisión de Oncogeriatría, Institut Català d́Oncologia, Hospital Duràn i Reynals, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, España.
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11
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The prevalence of duloxetine in medico-legal death investigations in Victoria, Australia (2009–2012). Forensic Sci Int 2014; 234:165-73. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2013.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2013] [Revised: 10/07/2013] [Accepted: 11/11/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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12
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Deaths involving contraindicated and inappropriate combinations of serotonergic drugs. Int J Legal Med 2010; 125:803-15. [PMID: 21120513 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-010-0536-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2010] [Accepted: 11/18/2010] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
In the Australian state of Victoria, all fatalities that were recorded from 2002 through to 2008 involving the use of certain serotonin active drugs (tramadol, venlafaxine, fluoxetine, sertraline, citalopram and paroxetine), were reviewed to assess the incidence of contraindicated or ill advised drug combinations. More than 1,000 were identified of which 326 cases formed the basis of this study. These cases involved contraindicated or inappropriate drug combinations that can lead to adverse drug reactions (ADRs) and subsequent fatal toxicity. Of these, 46% were drug-related, 35% were a result of natural disease and 13% were classified as external injury cases. The remaining cases were those where the cause of death (COD) was unascertained. Tramadol was the most common drug, usually detected alongside a serotonergic antidepressant (in 20% of cases). Twenty-five (8%) cases involved contraindicated drug combinations while the remainder (301 cases, 92%) involved drug combinations that are associated with adverse interactions ranging from minor to major severity. Of these 326 cases, the Coroner determined 166 cases (51%) to be acts of intentional self-harm or drug misuse, with the remainder unascertained or attributed to natural disease. Very few post-mortem reports and Coroners' findings made mention of possible ADRs when such combinations were actually present. The majority of cases comprising contraindicated drug combinations involved the combined use of five drugs (24%) at the time of death. A combination of three to five drugs was most common in cases involving inadvisable drug combinations. Combined drug toxicity was the most common COD, with heart disease the most common co-morbidity.
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13
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Review: Pharmacogenetic aspects of the effect of cytochrome P450 polymorphisms on serotonergic drug metabolism, response, interactions, and adverse effects. Forensic Sci Med Pathol 2010; 7:162-84. [PMID: 21052868 DOI: 10.1007/s12024-010-9188-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/05/2010] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The field of pharmacogenetics contains a wealth of potential for the enhancement of clinical practice by providing a more effective match between patient and drug, consequently reducing the probability of an adverse drug reaction. Although a relatively novel concept in the forensic context, pharmacogenetics has the capability to assist in the interpretation of drug related deaths, particularly in unintentional drug poisonings where the cause of death remains unclear. However, the complex pharmacology of the drugs when subjected to genetic variations in metabolism makes interpretation of the expected response and adverse events difficult. Many possess multiple metabolic pathways, narrow therapeutic indices and active metabolites or enantiomers which may be eliminated via different pathways to the parent drug. A number of these drugs, which are metabolised primarily by the CYP450 system, are also associated with serotonin syndrome, or serotonin toxicity, especially when used concomitantly with other serotonin active drugs which rely on the same metabolic pathways for drug elimination. A comprehensive understanding of polymorphic drug metabolism and its expected outcomes is therefore essential when interpreting the involvement of drugs in adverse reactions. This review examines the genetically variable CYP450-mediated metabolism of a number of serotonin-active drugs that are often implicated in cases of serotonin toxicity, to assess the impact of pharmacogenetics on drug metabolism, response, interactions and adverse effects.
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Abstract
Pain is one of the most common and incapacitating symptoms experienced by patients with advanced cancer. Methadone is a potent opioid with strong affinity for the µ opioid receptor. In addition to being a potent µ opioid receptor ligand, methadone blocks the N-methyl-D-aspartic acid receptor and modulates neurotransmitters involved in descending pain modulation. These 3 properties enhance analgesic activity. Methadone's lack of active metabolites makes it an attractive option when opioid responsiveness declines and renal insufficiency complicates opioid therapy. A lipophilic opioid, methadone can be given by multiple routes. Clinical trial data show equivalence with morphine as an analgesic in moderate to severe cancer pain. Further investigations are needed to define the role of methadone in the management of breakthrough pain and neuropathic pain and to determine whether it is truly superior to morphine, the gold standard of cancer analgesia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric E. Prommer
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, Arizona, USA
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15
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Pilgrim J, Gerostamoulos D, Drummer OH. Deaths involving serotonergic drugs. Forensic Sci Int 2010; 198:110-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2010.01.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2009] [Revised: 12/22/2009] [Accepted: 01/23/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Serotonin Syndrome in a Chronic-Pain Patient Receiving Concurrent Methadone, Ciprofloxacin, and Venlafaxine. PSYCHOSOMATICS 2009. [DOI: 10.1016/s0033-3182(09)70868-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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17
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Methadone is an opioid analgesic of step 3 of the World Health Organization (WHO) analgesic ladder. AIM AND METHODS To outline pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, drug interactions, equianalgesic dose ratio with other opioids, dosing rules, adverse effects and methadone clinical studies in patients with cancer pain. A review of relevant literature on methadone use in cancer pain was conducted. RESULTS Methadone is used in opioid rotation and administered to patients with cancer pain not responsive to morphine or other strong opioids when intractable opioid adverse effects appear. Methadone is considered as the first strong opioid analgesic and in patients with renal impairment. Methadone possesses different pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics in comparison to other opioids. The advantages of methadone include multimode analgesic activity, high oral and rectal bioavailability, long lasting analgesia, lack of active metabolites, excretion mainly with faeces, low cost and a weak immunosuppressive effect. The disadvantages include long and changeable plasma half-life, high bound to serum proteins, metabolism through P450 system, numerous drug interactions, lack of clear equianalgesic dose ratio to other opioids, QT interval prolongation, local reactions when administered subcutaneously. CONCLUSIONS Methadone is an important opioid analgesic at step 3 of the WHO analgesic ladder. Future controlled studies may focus on establishment of methadone equianalgesic dose ratio with other opioids and its role as the first strong opioid in comparative studies with analgesia, adverse effects and quality of life taken into consideration.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Leppert
- Department of Palliative Medicine, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland.
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18
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Affiliation(s)
- Howard S Smith
- Department of Anesthesiology, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY 12208, USA.
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19
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Abstract
Clinicians understand that individual patients differ in their response to specific opioid analgesics and that patients may require trials of several opioids before finding an agent that provides effective analgesia with acceptable tolerability. Reasons for this variability include factors that are not clearly understood, such as allelic variants that dictate the complement of opioid receptors and subtle differences in the receptor-binding profiles of opioids. However, altered opioid metabolism may also influence response in terms of efficacy and tolerability, and several factors contributing to this metabolic variability have been identified. For example, the risk of drug interactions with an opioid is determined largely by which enzyme systems metabolize the opioid. The rate and pathways of opioid metabolism may also be influenced by genetic factors, race, and medical conditions (most notably liver or kidney disease). This review describes the basics of opioid metabolism as well as the factors influencing it and provides recommendations for addressing metabolic issues that may compromise effective pain management. Articles cited in this review were identified via a search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, and PubMed. Articles selected for inclusion discussed general physiologic aspects of opioid metabolism, metabolic characteristics of specific opioids, patient-specific factors influencing drug metabolism, drug interactions, and adverse events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Howard S Smith
- Department of Anesthesiology, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY 12208, USA.
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Isenberg D, Wong SC, Curtis JA. Serotonin syndrome triggered by a single dose of suboxone. Am J Emerg Med 2008; 26:840.e3-5. [PMID: 18774063 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajem.2008.01.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2007] [Accepted: 01/27/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Suboxone (buprenorphine/naloxone) is an oral medication used for the treatment of opiate dependence. Because of its mixed properties at the opiate receptors, buprenorphine has a ceiling on its euphoric effects. We report the first case of serotonin syndrome caused by buprenorphine and review other medications implicated in serotonin syndrome. A 54-year-old man on tricyclic antidepressants took an unprescribed dose of buprenorphine/naloxone. He presented to the emergency department with signs and symptoms of severe serotonin syndrome including clonus, agitation, and altered mental status. His agitation was not controlled with benzodiazepines and was electively intubated. At the recommendation of the toxicology service, cyproheptadine, a serotonin receptor antagonist, was administered with improvement in the patient's symptoms. Emergency physicians should be aware of the potential of buprenorphine/naloxone to trigger serotonin syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Derek Isenberg
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19102, USA.
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Current awareness: Pharmacoepidemiology and drug safety. Pharmacoepidemiol Drug Saf 2007. [DOI: 10.1002/pds.1378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
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