Specific Pharmacology of Long-Acting, Extended-Release, and Sustained-Release Opioids for the Treatment of Chronic Nonmalignant Pain

Abstract

Opioid products, specifically long-acting (LA), extended-release (ER), and sustained-release (SR) formulations, are used for the treatment of a subset of patients with chronic noncancer pain (CNCP). This article will review the specific pharmacology and risks associated with specific LA, ER, and SR opioid formulations that have been used in the treatment of chronic pain. This article will not address the indications for, evidence for and against, or general controversy regarding the use of any form of long-term opioid therapy for the treatment of chronic nonmalignant pain (CNMP), as this has been presented in other published works.