What is the common route for administering fentanyl in clinical settings?

Transdermal administration is a widely used route for delivering fentanyl in clinical settings, particularly for managing chronic pain in patients who require long-term opioid therapy. The transdermal patch allows for continuous release of the medication over an extended period, typically 72 hours. This method is advantageous because it provides stable plasma levels of fentanyl, minimizes the need for frequent dosing, and can be particularly beneficial for patients who may have difficulty swallowing or experiencing nausea, which can complicate oral administration.

In addition, the transdermal route helps improve patient compliance through ease of use, which is an essential factor in managing patients with chronic pain. It circumvents first-pass metabolism associated with oral opioids, thereby enhancing overall efficacy and reducing the potential for side effects associated with high dosing.

While other routes, such as intramuscular and subcutaneous, are also viable for certain patients, they do not offer the convenience and sustained delivery system that transdermal patches do. Oral administration is less common for fentanyl due to its potential for rapid onset and heightened risk for side effects, making transdermal an optimal choice for ongoing pain management in a hospice and palliative care context.