Ketamine as an adjuvant to opioids for cancer pain management

  • Waqas Ashraf Chaudhary University of Leicester, Division of Anaesthesia, Pain Management & Critical Care, Leicester Royal Infirmary (UK)
  • Jennifer Kennett RN University of Leicester, Division of Anaesthesia, Pain Management & Critical Care, Leicester Royal Infirmary (UK)
  • Ishrat Bano University of Leicester, Division of Anaesthesia, Pain Management & Critical Care, Leicester Royal Infirmary (UK)
  • Daniel J. William Leicestershire Pain Management Services, Derby Royal Infirmary (UK)
Keywords: Oncology, Neuropathic pain, WHO analgesic ladder, NMDA receptor, Psychotomimetic side effects, Adenocarcinoma, Palliative care

Abstract

The management of cancer patient’s pain with ketamine as an adjuvant to opioids is presented in case reports of three patients with cancer-related neuropathic pain, in which pain proved untreatable with the usual conventional pain therapies. Ketamine was administered either by intrathecal or oral route, in addition to morphine and the pain was controlled successfully in these patients. No untoward side-effects were noted except drowsiness which responded to a reduction in the opioids dose.

Published
02-03-2019
How to Cite
Chaudhary, W. A., RN, J. K., Bano, I., & William, D. J. (2019). Ketamine as an adjuvant to opioids for cancer pain management. Anaesthesia, Pain & Intensive Care, 174-178. Retrieved from https://www.apicareonline.com/index.php/APIC/article/view/500
Issue
Vol.16 No.2(2012): May-August
Section
Case Reports