Oxymorphone: a review

Support Care Cancer. 2006 Feb;14(2):109-15. doi: 10.1007/s00520-005-0917-1. Epub 2005 Nov 30.

Abstract

Oxymorphone (oxymorphone hydrochloride) (14-hydroxy-dihydromorphinone), a semisynthetic mu-opioid agonist, was first approved by the US Food and Drug Administration in 1959. Oxymorphone is considered a more potent opioid than its parent compound, morphine. Recently, an immediate-release and long-acting oral formulation of this drug was developed that makes oxymorphone a new option in treating moderate to severe pain. This article reviews the pharmacodynamics, pharmacology, and clinical efficacy for this new option in treating moderate to severe pain.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Analgesics, Opioid / administration & dosage
  • Analgesics, Opioid / adverse effects
  • Analgesics, Opioid / pharmacokinetics*
  • Analgesics, Opioid / pharmacology
  • Analgesics, Opioid / therapeutic use*
  • Drug Administration Schedule
  • Drug Interactions
  • Humans
  • Neoplasms / complications
  • Oxymorphone / administration & dosage
  • Oxymorphone / adverse effects
  • Oxymorphone / pharmacokinetics*
  • Oxymorphone / pharmacology
  • Oxymorphone / therapeutic use*
  • Pain / drug therapy*

Substances

  • Analgesics, Opioid
  • Oxymorphone