Pain Management Medications

Continuing Education Activity

Analgesics are drugs used in the treatment and management of pain. They comprise a range of medicines (Acetaminophen and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications such as antidepressants and antiepileptics, local anaesthetics, and opioids). This article reviews the uses and contraindications for each class of drugs listed as effective agents for treating particular disorders like pain. This exercise will provide information on how they work, the adverse events, as well as other important elements (e.g. Off-label use dosage, monitoring, etc.)) relevant to interprofessional healthcare team members for the treatment of patients suffering from chronic and acute pain and other related disorders.

Objectives:

Define the reason for the administration of naloxone.

Discuss the most common physical examination findings of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) toxicity.

Identify the most frequently occurring adverse reactions that can occur with Acetaminophen.

Consider the importance of enhancing interprofessional team coordination to manage medications for patients suffering from acute or chronic discomfort.

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Indications

Per the International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP), pain is defined as a numbing sensation (sensory or emotional) related to a possible or confirmed tissue injury or a description of such. [1] Currently, debates are going on whether or not this definition should be altered. [2] [33 4 However, the classification for pain-management drugs is stable. Categories are analgesics that are not opioids, as well as opioid analgesics.

Analgesics that are not opioids

Acetaminophen (paracetamol): Mild to moderate pain, moderate or severe pain (as an adjunctive therapy for opioids), and a temporary reduction of fever. Acetaminophen should never be used for pain relief caused by neuropathy since there is no proof of any effect. [5] [66 [77

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs): These drugs are utilized for mild to moderate pain, pain associated with inflammation, and temporary reduction in fever. Similar to the prior medications, NSAIDs do not have research-based evidence to support the management of neuropathic pain. Certain NSAIDs are used for other pain-related reasons (e.g., aspirin used to prevent myocardial infarction) that this overview will not discuss. [7] [87 8

Antidepressant drugs such as selective serotonin and norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), specifically duloxetine and tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), particularly amitriptyline, have shown efficacy in a range of neuropathic pain disorders. They are therefore recommended as the first option for therapy. [9] Aside from their prescriptions for psychiatric disorders, like major depression and generalized anxiety disorders, these drugs are also indicated for other ailment types, like fibromyalgia or chronic muscle and joint pain. In addition, antidepressants can be recommended as a treatment option for tension-type headaches and migraine (amitriptyline). The two pharmacological groups