A phase II study of hydrocodone for cough in advanced cancer.

Author(s): Homsi J, Walsh D, Nelson KA, Sarhill N, Rybicki L, Legrand SB, Davis MP

Affiliation(s): Harry R. Horvitz Center for Palliative Medicine (a World Health Organization Demonstration Project in Palliative Medicine), Cleveland Clinic Taussig Cancer Center, Ohio, USA.

Publication date & source: 2002-01, Am J Hosp Palliat Care., 19(1):49-56.

Publication type: Clinical Trial; Clinical Trial, Phase II

PURPOSE: Cough is a common symptom in advanced cancer. The use of hydrocodone as an antitussive has not been studied previously in this setting. This study evaluates hydrocodone for cough in advanced cancer METHODS: The results presented are from a phase II study with dose titration. Setting: Palliative medicine program in a tertiary referral center PATIENTS: 25 consecutive patients with cough from irreversible causes, on a stable opioid regimen for the prior 24 hours, and no previous or current use of hydrocodone for cough. INTERVENTION: 5 mg hydrocodone was administered twice daily. The dose was then titrated daily (maximum: 60 mg/24 h), if needed, until a > or = 50 percent improvement of the frequency of cough was achieved and then maintained for three consecutive days. MEASUREMENTS: Cough severity, frequency, complications, and hydrocodone side effects. RESULTS: 20 persons (10 women and 10 men) completed study evaluation. Median age was 63 years (range: 42-82). Nine patients had lung cancer and seven had lung or pleura metastases; 19 patients had at least 50 percent improvement of their cough frequency. The median best response was 70 percent improvement in the cough frequency (range: 50-90 percent). Median hydrocodone dose associated with the best response was 10 mg/day (range: 5-30 mg/day). Cough severity, frequency, associated symptoms and complications, and activities of daily living improved significantly. Side effects of hydrocodone (dry mouth, nausea, and drowsiness) were tolerable and rated as mild. CONCLUSIONS: Hydrocodone is effective and safe to treat cough in advanced cancer A starting dose of 10 mg per day in divided doses seems effective. Dose escalation may be required. Most improved within one day.