Drugs for pain
Article Abstract:
Analgesics are a large group of drugs used to alleviate pain. Three main types of analgesic drugs are available to patients in the US. One type consists of acetaminophen and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin and ibuprofen. Most of these drugs have a maximum dose at which they are effective. Patients do not build up a tolerance to these drugs, but may experience some adverse gastrointestinal problems, such as bleeding. The second type of analgesic is the opioid class, which includes codeine, morphine and methadone. These drugs are usually used to treat patients suffering from severe acute pain or chronic cancer pain. Most patients build up tolerance to these drugs, and the dosage must be increased over time. Patients also can become physically dependent on opioids with prolonged use. The third type of analgesic drug includes those not normally considered pain relievers, such as tricyclic antidepressants, anticonvulsants, corticosteroids and caffeine.
Publication Name: Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0025-732X
Year: 1993
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Drugs for pain
Article Abstract:
Medications used for pain relief include opioids, non-opioids, and other drugs which potentiate analgesics or have limited analgesic qualities of their own. Opioids such as morphine, meperidine, and fentanyl are prescribed for significant pain, often in combination with aspirin, acetaminophen, and other non-opioids. Patients can become dependent on these drugs. Aspirin, ibuprofen, and other non-steroidal antiinflammatories are highly effective alone or in combination. Antidepressants, anticonvulsants, caffeine, and corticosteroids can relieve pain alone, or when combined with other drugs.
Publication Name: Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0025-732X
Year: 1998
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Drugs for pain
Article Abstract:
Most drugs for pain (analgesics) are classified as opioid or non-opioid. Non-opioid analgesics include acetaminophen, aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), COX-2 inhibitors, and ketorolac. Opioids include morphine, meperidine, tramadol, fentanyl, partial agonists and mixed agonist/antagonists. Some antidepressants and anticonvulsants can be used to treat pain arising from a nerve disorder.
Publication Name: Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0025-732X
Year: 2000
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