ORAL ADMINISTRATION OF 6-HYDROXY-OXYMORPHONE FOR USE AS AN ANALGESIC

摘要

In a method of treating pain, a patient is administered a pharmaceutical composition of 6-hydroxy oxymorphone in an amount sufficient to induce analgesia. In one embodiment, the pharmaceutical composition is administered orally. Any known or later developed method of oral delivery may be used. To achieve the desired analgesic effect, blood plasma levels of 6-hydroxy oxymorphone are raised to at least approximately 0.2 ng/mL. Most preferably blood plasma levels of 6-hydroxy oxymorphone range at least 0.3 ng/mL during treatment. Administration of compositions containing 6-hydroxy oxymorphone, and one or more carriers, diluents, and excipients in an amount sufficient t o induce analgesia is also contemplated.