Methods and compositions for noninvasive administration of sedatives, analgesics, and anesthetics

A method for administering systemically the analgesic drug fentanyl, comprising the steps of:

• obtaining a soluble matrix material in the form of a lollipop into which the drug fentanyl has been dispersed, said soluble matrix material being capable of releasing the fentanyl for absorption through musocal tissue;
• providing the drug-containing matrix to a patient to be treated with the analgesic drug;
• and
• administering systemically the drug-containing matrix in a manner such that said matrix is dissolved in the patient's mouth so that analgesic drug is absorbed through musocal tissue, thereby entering the patient's bloodstream, the patient controlling the rate of dissolution of the drug-containing matrix in a dose-to-effect manner in order to obtain and maintain a suitable level of relief from pain while accounting for the patient's individual susceptibility to the analgesic drug and the patient's individual subjective experience of pain.

A composition for use in systemically inducing a sedative, analgesic or anesthetic effect in a patient, said composition comprising:

• an effective dose of the drug fentanyl in a form capable of being absorbed through mucosal tissue, and capable of systemically inducing a condition of sedation, analgesia, or anesthesia in a patient;
• a soluble matrix material, the fentanyl being dispersed substantially uniformly within the matrix so that the drug is released for absorption through mucosal tissue as the matrix dissolves when placed in a patient's mouth;
• and
• holder means secured to the drug-containing matrix, said holder means being configured so as to permit convenient insertion of the drug-containing matrix into the mouth of a patient, and convenient removal thereof when a desired condition is obtained.