Table 1.
Opioids available for the treatment of chronic and persistent pain in Italy in 2021
| Active ingredient | Administration route (formulations) | Commercially available fixed-dose combinations |
|---|---|---|
| Weak opioids | ||
| Codeine | Oral (tablets, capsules, drops, syrup, granules) |
Codeine + paracetamol (acetaminophen) Codeine + aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) Codeine + ibuprofen |
| Rectal | ||
| Dihydrocodeine | Oral (drops, syrup) | Dihydrocodeine + paracetamol |
| Tramadol | Oral (tablets, drops, vials) | Tramadol + paracetamol |
| Subcutaneous, intramuscular, intravenous | ||
| Rectal | ||
| Strong opioids | ||
| Buprenorphine | Sublingual (tablets) | Buprenorphine + naloxone |
| Intramuscular, intravenous | ||
| Transdermal (patch) | ||
| Fentanyl | Sublingual (oral dissolving tablets) | |
| Transmucosal (lozenges with applicator) | ||
| Intranasal (spray) | ||
| Intravenous | ||
| Transdermal (patch) | ||
| Hydromorphone | Oral (tablets) | |
| Methadone | Oral (solution, syrup) | |
| Subcutaneous, intramuscular, intravenous | ||
| Rectal | ||
| Morphine sulfate | Oral (tablets, capsules, drops, syrup, ampoules) | |
| Subcutaneous, intramuscular, intravenous | ||
| Rectal | ||
| Oxycodone | Oral (tablets, capsules) |
Oxycodone + paracetamol Oxycodone + naloxone |
| Subcutaneous, intramuscular, intravenous | ||
| Rectal | ||
| Sufentanil | Sublingual (tablets) | |
| Tapentadol | Oral (tablets, solution) | |