Severe pain in gynecologic cancer.Trial of pentazocine, morphine, and a placebo

The analgesic efficacy of pentazocine has been tested in severe pain due to gynecologic cancer. A comparative trial was conducted between 60 mg pentazocine, 10 mg morphine, and 10 mg placebo in 35 patients. The drugs were administered in a randomized order by the double-blind technique. Intensity and relief of pain were classified by scores. The analgesic efficacy was analyzed in 5 different ways. No significant difference in analgesic efficacy was observed between morphine and pentazocine. Both drugs have a significantly better analgesic efficacy than placebo.