Table 2.
Summary of Controlled Trials Included in the Analysis of Opiate Prescribing in the Elderly.
| Author | Design | N | Mean Age | Intervention | Control | Population Characteristics (Incidence %) | Efficacy Outcomes | Adverse Effects (Incidence %) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Breivik et al47 | PC, DB, RCT | 100 | 62.9 | BTDS 5-20 µg/h | Placebo | Etiology of pain: osteoarthritis (100) | WOMAC; Osteoarthritis | NSS | Dizziness (25) |
| Constipation (24), nausea (37), vomiting (16) | |||||||||
| Pruritus (61) | |||||||||
| Likar et al48 | OL | 30 | 74.3 | BTDS at doses 35, 40, and 50 µg/h | No control | • Etiology of pain: MSK causes (63), neuropathy
(13), cancer (6.5) • Comorbidities: cardiovascular disease (80) |
VAS | NSS | Dizziness (53.3), malaise (30) |
| NRS | NSS | Nausea (40), constipation (30), vomiting (16.7) | |||||||
| Pruritus (20) | |||||||||
| Rauck et al49 | DB, RCT | 156 | 72 | Codeine 30-60 mg/acetaminophen 300-600 mg q 4-6 h prn | Tramadol 50-100 mg po q 4-6 h prn (max: 4000 mg/24 h | Etiology of pain: arthritis (72), back/neck pain (14), neuropathy (7) | Pain intensity score | NSS | Dizziness (4.5) |
| Constipation (9.6), nausea (4.5) | |||||||||
| Kjaersgaard-Andersen et al50 | DB, RCT | 158 | 66 | Codeine 60 mg/paracetamol 1000 mg | Paracetamol 1000 mg po TID | Etiology of pain: arthritis (100) | Pain intensity score | P < .01 for codeine/paracetamol group | Dizziness (3), somnolence (20.3) |
| Constipation (36.1), nausea (32.3), vomiting (14.6) | |||||||||
Abbreviations: PC, placebo controlled; DB, double blind; RCT, randomized control trial; BTDS, buprenorphine transdermal system; WOMAC, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index; NSS, normal saline solution; OL, open label; MSK, musculoskeletal; VAS, Visual Analog Scale; NRS, Numerical Rating Scale; q 4-6 h, every 4 to 6 hours; prn, as needed; po, by mouth; max, maximum; TID, thrice a day.