Perspectives on Using Fast-Dissolving Paracetamol for Mild-to-Moderate Pain Management in Elderly or Diabetic Patients with Delayed Gastric Emptying Rates: An Exploratory Study

Abstract

Purpose: Pain is considered a major clinical and socioeconomic problem worldwide. Delayed gastric emptying rates allegedly influence the suitability of pain-relief medications in patient populations such as the elderly and individuals with diabetes. Faster pain relief was reportedly achieved by using a fast-dissolving paracetamol (FD-APAP) formulation. This study aims to gain insights to healthcare professionals’ (HCPs) perspectives towards using FD-APAP in addressing barriers of pain relief in patient populations susceptible to delayed gastric emptying rates. Patients and Methods: A two-step modified Delphi consensus study was conducted among a panel of 10 general practitioners (GPs) and four endocrinologists. The first step comprises in-depth discussions around evidence relevant to FD-APAP for pain management in patient populations with delayed gastric emptying rates (elderly/diabetics). The second step (a survey) was based on the summarized input from the first step. Consensus was accepted upon ≥70% agreement. Perspectives on pain management by FD-APAP for elderly patients were explored among GPs, while those for diabetic patients were explored among GPs and endocrinologists. Results: Consensus was achieved, whereby all panel members found FD-APAP to be favorable and relevant for pain management in the elderly and the diabetic patient populations. GPs additionally raised the consensus on the importance of considering comorbidities associated with diabetes while having minimal complications during pain management. Conclusion: The panel found the faster disintegration and absorption of FD-APAP relevant and useful for patients with delayed gastric emptying, wherein, pain in the elderly and those with diabetes could be treated effectively with limited side-effects.