[Clonidine in the treatment of cancer pain].

UNLABELLED

Clonidine is an alpha2-adrenergic agonist with analgetic properties. Due to its side-effects, the drug is administered via the epidural or spinal route. A literature search yielded nine controlled studies on clonidine as a supplemental drug in the epidural or spinal treatment of cancer pain. These studies were systematically reviewed to evaluate the evidence of efficacy in patients with cancer pain.

CONCLUSION

Despite weak evidence, clonidine may be a useful adjunct in epidural or spinal morphine therapy of cancer pain.