Opioids for Pain

Date: April 9, 2018 Issue #:  1544Summary:  Use of nonopioid drugs for pain was reviewed in a previous issue. For many types of moderate to severe acute pain, acetaminophen and/or an NSAID may be as effective as an opioid. Immediate-release formulations of full opioid agonists should generally be used for acute pain that is severe enough to require treatment with an opioid. Use of extended-release or long-acting opioid formulations initially and treatment durations>1 week have been associated with an increased risk of unintended long-term use.
Source: The Medical Letter - Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Authors: Tags: Abstral Acetaminophen Actiq Alertec amitiza Antidepressants Apadaz Arymo Aspirin Belbuca benzhydrocodone Buprenex Buprenorphine Butorphanol Butrans Cancer pain capsaicin Codeine Codeine Contin ConZip Dialudid Dolo Source Type: research