Comparative Pharmacology
Head-to-head clinical analysis: ABSTRAL versus ASTRAMORPH PF.
Peer-Reviewed Evidence
Head-to-head clinical analysis: ABSTRAL versus ASTRAMORPH PF.
ABSTRAL vs ASTRAMORPH PF
Comparing the clinical profiles, pharmacokinetic behaviors, and safety indices of these two therapeutic agents.
Fentanyl is a potent mu-opioid receptor agonist, producing analgesia and sedation by activating G-protein coupled opioid receptors in the central nervous system.
Mu-opioid receptor agonist; produces analgesia, sedation, and euphoria by mimicking endogenous endorphins.
For breakthrough pain in opioid-tolerant patients: initial dose 100 mcg sublingual tablet, titrate across strengths (100, 200, 300, 400, 600, 800 mcg) as needed; maximum 2 doses per episode, minimum 2 hours between episodes.
Intravenous: 8-10 mg over 2-5 minutes; may be repeated every 8-12 hours as needed. Oral (immediate release): 10-20 mg every 4-6 hours as needed. Oral (extended release): 10-40 mg every 12 hours.
None Documented
None Documented
Terminal elimination half-life: 6-10 hours (mean 8 hours); prolonged in elderly and hepatic impairment
Terminal elimination half-life: 2-4 hours; prolonged in renal impairment (up to 12 hours in anuria) and elderly
Renal: ~70% as metabolites (primarily fentanyl conjugates and norfentanyl), ~10% unchanged; Fecal: ~9%; Biliary: minimal
Renal: 70-80% unchanged; Biliary/Fecal: 10-20% as metabolites
Category C
Category C
Opioid Analgesic
Opioid Analgesic