Which medications are approved for intrathecal administration?

Intrathecal administration involves delivering medication directly into the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) surrounding the spinal cord, which allows for rapid and targeted pain relief, particularly in patients who have chronic pain conditions or those who do not respond to systemic medications.

Morphine, a well-known opioid analgesic, is frequently used for intrathecal administration due to its potent analgesic properties and ability to provide effective pain management in cases of severe pain. Ziconotide, a non-opioid analgesic, works by blocking N-type calcium channels and is approved specifically for intrathecal use in patients who have not responded to other treatments. This combination of morphine and ziconotide for intrathecal administration efficiently targets pain pathways directly in the CSF, maximizing analgesia while minimizing systemic side effects.

In contrast, the other medications listed are not approved for intrathecal administration. Acetaminophen and ibuprofen are commonly used orally, while oxycodone and fentanyl, although opioids like morphine, are not approved specifically for intrathecal use despite their effectiveness through other routes. Aspirin and naproxen are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) that are typically used orally or rectally, but they do not