Objective: To estimate the consumption level of four drugs in Beijing using wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE). Methods: The primary sludge from one large wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) was collected in Beijing from July 2020 to February 2021. The concentrations of codeine, methadone, ketamine and morphine in the sludge were detected through solid-phase extraction-liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The consumption, prevalence and number of users of four drugs were estimated by using the WBE approach. Results: Among 416 sludge samples, codeine had the highest detection rate (82.93%, n=345) with a concentration [M (Q₁, Q₃)] of 0.40 (0.22-0.8) ng·g^-1, and morphine had the lowest detection rate (28.37%,n=118) with a concentration [M (Q₁, Q₃)] of 0.13 (0.09, 0.17) ng·g^-1. There was no significant difference in the consumption of the four drugs on working days and weekends (all P values>0.05). Drug consumption was significantly higher in winter than that in summer and autumn (all P values <0.05). The consumption [M (Q₁, Q₃)] of codeine, methadone, ketamine and morphine in winter was 24.9 (15.58, 38.6), 9.39 (4.57, 26.72), 9.84 (5.18, 19.45) and 5.67 (3.57, 13.77) μg·inhabitant^-1·day^-1, respectively. For these drugs, there was an upward trend in the average drug consumption during summer, autumn and winter (the Z values of the trend test were 3.23, 3.16, 2.19, and 3.32, respectively and all P values<0.05). The prevalence [M (Q₁, Q₃)] of codeine, methadone, ketamine and morphine were 0.0056% (0.003 4%, 0.009 2%), 0.0148% (0.009 6%, 0.026 7%),0.0333% (0.0210%, 0.0710%) and 0.0072% (0.003 8%, 0.011 7%), respectively. The estimated number of drug users [M (Q₁, Q₃)] was 918 (549, 1 511), 2 429 (1 578, 4 383), 5 451 (3 444, 11 642) and 1 173 (626, 1 925),respectively. Conclusion: Codeine, methadone, ketamine and morphine have been detected in the sludge of WWTPs in Beijing, and the consumption level of these drugs varies in different seasons.
Humans ; Beijing ; Wastewater-Based Epidemiological Monitoring ; Sewage/analysis* ; Wastewater ; Ketamine/analysis* ; Codeine/analysis* ; Methadone/analysis* ; Water Pollutants, Chemical/analysis*

OBJECTIVE: To observe the clinical efficacy of Miao medicinal crossbow acupuncture therapy as adjuvant treatment for lung cancer pain based on oxycodone hydrochloride extended-release tablet. METHODS: A total of 60 patients with lung cancer pain were randomized into an observation group (30 cases, 1 case dropped off) and a control group (30 cases). In the control group, oxycodone hydrochloride extended-release tablet was given orally, 10 mg a time, once every 12 hours. On the basis of the treatment in the control group, Miao medicinal crossbow acupuncture therapy was applied once every other day in the observation group. The treatment of 14 days was required in the two groups. Before and after treatment, the numerical rating scale (NRS) score, number of break-out pain and Karnofsky performance status (KPS) score were observed in the two groups. The equivalent oxycodone consumption and rate of adverse reactions were recorded, the analgesic effect was evaluated in the two groups. RESULTS: Compared before treatment, the NRS scores and number of break-out pain were decreased while the KPS scores were increased after treatment in the two groups (P<0.01). After treatment, the NRS score and number of break-out pain in the observation group were lower than the control group (P<0.01), the KPS score in the observation group was higher than the control group (P<0.05). The equivalent oxycodone consumption of whole course and the rate of adverse reactions i.e. constipation, drowsiness, nausea and vomiting in the observation group were lower than the control group (P<0.05). The analgesic effect rate was 93.1% (27/29) in the observation group, which was superior to 63.3% (19/30) in the control group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION On the basis of oxycodone hydrochloride extended-release tablet, Miao medicinal crossbow acupuncture therapy as adjuvant treatment can effectively relieve the pain degree, reduce the number of break-out pain and improve the health status and quality of life in patients with lung cancer pain, enhance the efficacy of medication and reduce its adverse reactions.
Humans ; Cancer Pain ; Oxycodone ; Quality of Life ; Lung Neoplasms ; Pain ; Acupuncture Therapy ; Adjuvants, Immunologic ; Lung ; Analgesics

BACKGROUND: Managing acute postoperative pain is challenging for anesthesiologists, surgeons, and patients, leading to adverse events despite making significant progress. Patient-controlled intravenous analgesia (PCIA) is a recommended solution, where oxycodone has depicted unique advantages in recent years. However, controversy still exists in clinical practice and this study aimed to compare two drugs in PCIA. METHODS: We performed a literature search in PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Web of Science, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang, and VIP databases up to December 2020 to select specific randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the efficacy of oxycodone with sufentanil in PCIA. The analgesic effect was the primary outcome and the secondary outcome included PCIA consumption, the Ramsay sedation scale, patients' satisfaction and side effects. RESULTS: Fifteen RCTs were included in the meta-analysis. Compared with sufentanil, oxycodone showed lower Numerical Rating Scale scores (mean difference [MD] = -0.71, 95% confidence interval [CI]: -1.01 to -0.41; P < 0.001; I2 = 93%), demonstrated better relief from visceral pain (MD = -1.22, 95% CI: -1.58 to -0.85; P < 0.001; I2 = 90%), promoted a deeper sedative level as confirmed by the Ramsay Score (MD = 0.77, 95% CI: 0.35-1.19; P < 0.001; I2 = 97%), and resulted in fewer side effects (odds ratio [OR] = 0.46, 95% CI: 0.35-0.60; P < 0.001; I2 = 11%). There was no statistical difference in the degree of patients' satisfaction (OR = 1.13, 95% CI: 0.88-1.44; P = 0.33; I2 = 72%) and drug consumption (MD = -5.55, 95% CI: -14.18 to 3.08; P = 0.21; I2 = 93%). CONCLUSION: Oxycodone improves postoperative analgesia and causes fewer adverse effects, and could be recommended for PCIA, especially after abdominal surgeries. REGISTRATION PROSPERO; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/; CRD42021229973.
Humans ; Oxycodone/therapeutic use* ; Sufentanil/therapeutic use* ; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic ; Pain, Postoperative/drug therapy* ; Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions ; Analgesia, Patient-Controlled

INTRODUCTION: Misuse of prescription medicines and the harms associated with such use are growing threats across the world. There is currently, however, limited data on the extent of prescription medicine misuse in Singapore and whether this is a current threat in the country. METHODS: An online survey, limited to 1,000 individuals (aged 21 years and over) who were residents in Singapore, was administered through a survey panel company in September 2015. The survey collected information on participant demographics, and their awareness, self-reported lifetime and past-year misuse of commonly available prescription medicines in Singapore as well as the use of a range of recreational drugs and novel psychoactive substances (NPS). RESULTS: Lifetime (6.7%) and past-year (4.8%) misuse of any prescription medicine was comparable to lifetime (6.0%) and past-year (3.0%) use of any recreational drugs/NPS. The top five prescription medicines for lifetime misuse were: diazepam (2.7%); codeine (2.3%); dhasedyl (promethazine, codeine and ephedrine; 1.6%); panadeine (paracetamol and codeine; 1.5%); and methylphenidate (1.2%). The top five drugs for past-year misuse were: diazepam (1.6%); codeine (0.9%); panadeine (0.7%); alprazolam (0.6%); baclofen (0.6%); and gabapentin (0.6%). CONCLUSION Misuse of prescription medicine in Singapore was common, with prevalence comparable to the use of recreational drugs/NPS. A common source for misused drugs was physicians. Further studies are required to determine whether this is more widespread in Singapore and establish the different forms of drug diversion, so that appropriate prevention strategies can be implemented.
Humans ; Illicit Drugs/adverse effects* ; Public Health ; Singapore/epidemiology* ; Substance-Related Disorders/drug therapy* ; Prescription Drugs/adverse effects* ; Codeine ; Diazepam ; Prescriptions

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effectiveness and safety of electrothermal acupuncture therapy for patients of moderate to severe cancer pain with METHODS: A total of 60 patients of moderate to severe cancer pain with RESULTS: The variation of NRS scores in the observation group were larger than the control group 3, 5 days into treatment ( CONCLUSION On the basis of the conventional western medication for analgesia, electrothermal acupuncture could relieve pain, reduce the dose of opioid painkillers and improve the quality of life in patients of moderate to severe cancer pain with
Acupuncture Points ; Acupuncture Therapy ; Cancer Pain/therapy* ; Humans ; Neoplasms/therapy* ; Oxycodone ; Quality of Life ; Treatment Outcome

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical effect of filiform fire needling on moderate and severe pain in advanced cancer. METHODS: A total of 66 patients with moderate and severe pain in advanced cancer were randomly divided into an observation group (34 cases, 4 cases dropped off) and a control group (32 cases, 2 cases dropped off). The two groups were treated with oral analgesics continuously for 4 weeks. The moderate pain patients was given bucinnazine hydrochloride tablets (starting at 30 mg, once every 6 hours, increasing by 30%-50% until the titration volume was reached), and the severe pain patients were given oxycodone hydrochloride sustained-release tablets (starting at 20 mg every 12 hours and increasing by 25%-50% until the titration volume was reached). The observation group was cooperated with filiform fire needling at point, Zusanli (ST 36), Liangqiu (ST 34), Qihai (CV 6), Guanyuan(CV 4), Quchi (LI 11) and Waiguan (TE 5) once every other day for 4 weeks. The changes of numerical rating scales (NRS) scores were observed in both groups before and after treatment, and the amount of analgesics and the incidence of adverse reactions were recorded. The clinical effects in the two groups were evaluated. RESULTS: The effective rate was 90.0% (27/30) in the observation group, which was higher than 66.7% (20/30) in the control group (<0.05). After treatment, the NRS scores of both groups were lower than those before treatment (<0.05), and the reducing degree in the observation group was larger than that in the control group (<0.05). The average dosage of bunarizine hydrochloride tablets and oxycodone hydrochloride sustained release tablets to titration volume in the observation group was less than that in the control group (<0.05). The incidence of adverse reactions was 23.3% (28/120) in the observation group, which was lower than 44.2% (53/120) in the control group (<0.05). CONCLUSION Filiform fire needling can alleviate pain symptoms of patients with moderate and severe pain in advanced cancer, reduce the amount of analgesics, and decrease the incidence of adverse reactions.
Acupuncture Points ; Acupuncture Therapy ; Analgesics ; therapeutic use ; Cancer Pain ; therapy ; Humans ; Neoplasms ; complications ; therapy ; Oxycodone ; therapeutic use ; Pain Management ; Piperazines ; therapeutic use ; Treatment Outcome

OBJECTIVE: Oxycodone, a semi-synthetic thebaine derivative opioid, is commonly used for treating moderate to severe pain. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and side effects of oxycodone and fentanyl used for treating postoperative pain with intravenous patient-controlled analgesia (IV-PCA) after laparoscopic gynecologic surgery. METHODS: A total of 122 patients were randomized to receive postoperative pain treatment with either oxycodone (n=62, group O) or fentanyl (n=60, group F). Patients received 7.5 mg oxycodone and 150 mcg fentanyl with ketorolac 30 mg at the end of anesthesia, and then continued with IV-PCA (conversion dose ratio, 50:1) for 48 hours postoperatively. A blinded observer assessed postoperative pain based on a numerical rating scale, postoperative nausea and vomiting and other side effects, infused PCA dose, patient satisfaction, and sedation level. RESULTS: No significant differences were observed in patient satisfaction according to the analgesic used during the 48 hours postoperative period. CONCLUSION: Oxycodone showed similar efficacy for pain relief compared to fentanyl when used at a conversion dose ratio of 50:1. Therefore, oxycodone may be useful as an alternative to fentanyl for IV-PCA after laparoscopic gynecologic surgery.
Analgesia, Patient-Controlled ; Anesthesia ; Female ; Fentanyl ; Gynecologic Surgical Procedures ; Humans ; Ketorolac ; Oxycodone ; Pain, Postoperative ; Passive Cutaneous Anaphylaxis ; Patient Satisfaction ; Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting ; Postoperative Period ; Thebaine

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Opioids cause gastrointestinal (GI) dysmotility, decrease gut secretion, and affect gut sphincters. Symptoms of opioid-induced bowel dysfunction may be alleviated by peripherally acting opioid antagonists like naloxegol, but detailed knowledge on GI effects of this drug is lacking. We hypothesized that naloxegol, compared to placebo, would reduce GI transit time and colonic fecal volume in opioid-treated healthy participants. METHODS: We conducted a randomized, double-blinded, single-center, 2-way cross-over study in 24 healthy males, randomized to a 6 day treatment period of oxycodone (15 mg twice a day) co-administered with either naloxegol (25 mg once a day) or matching placebo. Participants swallowed an electromagnetic capsule which determined GI transit times. Colonic fecal volume was quantified with magnetic resonance imaging both pre-treatment and post-treatment. RESULTS: Naloxegol reduced total GI transit time by 21% (56 hours vs 71 hours, P = 0.02) and colonic transit time by 23% (45 hours vs 59 hours, P < 0.01), compared to placebo. However, no difference in colonic fecal volume was found (818 mL vs 884 mL, P = 0.20). CONCLUSIONS: Short-term administration of naloxegol in healthy participants reverses the retardation of total GI and colonic transit induced by oxycodone. This supports the use of naloxegol in the treatment of GI side effects to opioid treatment, and add knowledge to the current understanding of mechanisms behind peripherally-acting opioid antagonists.
Analgesics, Opioid ; Colon ; Constipation ; Cross-Over Studies ; Gastrointestinal Transit ; Healthy Volunteers ; Humans ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Magnets ; Male ; Narcotic Antagonists ; Oxycodone

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between OPRM1 118A/G gene polymorphism and oxycodone analgesic dose in patients with cancer pain. METHODS: DNA sequencing was used to detect the genotypies of OPRM1 118 A/G site in 203 patients with moderate and severe cancer pain, and to compare the relationship between the pain degree and the dose of oxycodone at 3 and 30 days after treatment in patients with different genotypes. RESULTS: The fequencies of AA, AG and GG genotypes at the OPRM1 118 A/G site were 34.78%, 52.70%, and 12.52%, respectively. The dosage of oxycodone in GG genotype was significantly higher than that in AA genotype and AG genotype (15.44±10.19 vs. 10.25±4.53, 10.49±5.26; 89.15±27.69 vs. 43.59±12.19, 48.27±18.79) on the 3 and 30 day after treatment, difference was statistically significant (P< 0.05). CONCLUSION For cancer pain patients with GG genotype of OPRM1 118A/G site, if they need to achieve the same analgesic effect as patients with AA and AG genotype, the dose of oxycodone should be increased.
Analgesics, Opioid ; administration & dosage ; Cancer Pain ; drug therapy ; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug ; Genotype ; Humans ; Oxycodone ; administration & dosage ; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide ; Receptors, Opioid, mu ; genetics

Background: Intravenous (IV) oxycodone has been used at induction to prevent an intubation reaction. The aims of the current study were to calculate the median effective dose (ED) and the 95% effective dose (ED) of an IV bolus of oxycodone that blunts the hemodynamic response to tracheal intubation with propofol according to gender and to observe the adverse events of induction-dose oxycodone. Methods: Adult patients who required general anesthesia and tracheal intubation were enrolled. Tracheal intubation was performed using unified TD-C-IV video laryngoscopy and an ordinary common endotracheal tube. Dixon's up-and-down method was used to obtain EDdata for women and men separately. The initial dose of oxycodone was 0.2 mg/kg for women and 0.3 mg/kg for men (step size was 0.01 mg/kg). Next, a dose-response curve from the probit analysis was generated to determine the EDand EDto blunt the intubation reaction in female and male patients. Adverse events following oxycodone injection were observed for 5 min before propofol injection. Results: Sixty-three patients were analyzed, including 29 females and 34 males. According to the probit analysis, the ED and EDof oxycodone required to blunt the intubation reaction in women were 0.254 mg/kg (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.220-0.328 mg/kg) and 0.357 mg/kg (95% CI, 0.297-2.563 mg/kg), respectively. In men, the ED and EDwere 0.324 mg/kg (95% CI, 0.274-0.381 mg/kg) and 0.454 mg/kg (95% CI, 0.384-2.862 mg/kg), respectively. Men required 28% more oxycodone than women for induction (P < 0.01). The most common adverse events were dizziness (87.3%), vertigo (66.7%), sedation (74.6%), and respiratory depression (66.7%). Conclusions Oxycodone can be used for induction to prevent intubation reactions. Gender affected the EDand EDof oxycodone for blunting the tracheal intubation reaction.
Adult ; Anesthetics, Intravenous ; Female ; Hemodynamics ; drug effects ; Humans ; Intubation, Intratracheal ; Laryngoscopy ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Narcotics ; administration & dosage ; Oxycodone ; administration & dosage