Comparative Pharmacology
Head-to-head clinical analysis: OPANA ER versus SUBLIMAZE PRESERVATIVE FREE.
Peer-Reviewed Evidence
Head-to-head clinical analysis: OPANA ER versus SUBLIMAZE PRESERVATIVE FREE.
OPANA ER vs SUBLIMAZE PRESERVATIVE FREE
Comparing the clinical profiles, pharmacokinetic behaviors, and safety indices of these two therapeutic agents.
Opana ER (oxymorphone hydrochloride) is a full opioid agonist with relative selectivity for the mu-opioid receptor, although it can interact with other opioid receptors at higher doses. The principal therapeutic action is analgesia via activation of mu-opioid receptors in the central nervous system, leading to altered perception and response to pain.
Fentanyl is a potent synthetic opioid agonist with primary action at the mu-opioid receptor. It induces analgesia, sedation, and respiratory depression by activating G-protein-coupled receptors that inhibit adenylyl cyclase, reduce cAMP production, and modulate ion channels (e.g., potassium efflux, calcium influx).
Initial: 5 mg orally every 12 hours; titrate by 5-10 mg every 12 hours every 3-7 days; maximum 40 mg every 12 hours.
IV: 0.5-2 mcg/kg bolus, may repeat q2-4h; or 0.5-1 mcg/kg/h infusion; IM: 0.5-2 mcg/kg q1-2h prn.
None Documented
None Documented
Terminal elimination half-life: 11.1–13.8 hours; clinically relevant as steady-state achieved in 2–3 days
Terminal elimination half-life is 3-7 hours (mean 4.5 h) after IV administration, but may be prolonged (up to 12-15 h) in elderly, hepatic impairment, or after prolonged infusion due to redistribution.
Renal (primarily as glucuronide conjugates and unchanged drug): 85-90%; Fecal: <10%
Primarily renal: fentanyl and its metabolites are excreted in urine (~75%) and feces (~9%). Less than 10% excreted unchanged.
Category C
Category C
Opioid Analgesic
Opioid Analgesic