Efficacy and Safety of Transdermal Buprenorphine versus Oral Tramadol/Acetaminophen in Patients with Persistent Postoperative Pain after Spinal Surgery

Figure 1

Study design and visit schedule. visits could be conducted at any time during the treatment period. Domperidone maleate was concurrently prescribed for 2 weeks from initiation of the study drug administration. Subsequently, continued use was determined at the discretion of the investigator. study drug dose escalation: transdermal buprenorphine (BTDS) 5 μg/h to 10 μg/h to 15 μg/h or 20 μg/h. comparator drug dose escalation: tramadol/acetaminophen (TA; tramadol 37.5 mg/acetaminophen 325 mg) 1 tablet × 2 doses per day to 2 tablets × 2 doses per day to 3 tablets × 2 doses per day or 4 tablets × 2 doses per day. BTDS: buprenorphine transdermal system (NORSPAN); TA: tramadol/acetaminophen.