Which non-narcotic analgesics are best for musculoskeletal pain (muscle strain, sprain, and fracture) and post-operatively?—JACLYN LEITNER, PA-C, Glen Rock, N.J. (210-7)

Non-opioid (non-narcotic) agents such as aspirin and acetaminophen are recognized as 2 of the most widely used analgesics and are effective for mild to moderate headache and pain of musculoskeletal origin. For acute adult musculoskeletal pain, the first-line choice can be paracetamol (acetaminophen) (500 mg to 1,000 mg) every 4 to 6 hours in patients with no hepatic impairment. A second-line agent can be conventional, as well as Cox-2 non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as celecoxib or diclofenac, and using the lowest effective dose for the shortest course.—ABIMBOLA FARINDE, PhD, PharmD (210-7)

Abimbola Farinde, PhD, PharmD, is a professor at Columbia Southern University in Orange Beach, Ala.

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Reference

  1. Analgesics in acute musculoskeletal pain. New South Wales, Australia: National Prescribing Service Limited. Published 2003. Accessed March 2016.
    http://www.nps.org.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0015/22821/Analgesics2003ClinicalAuditPack.pdf

These are letters from practitioners around the country who want to share their clinical problems and successes, observations and pearls with their colleagues. We invite you to participate. If you have a clinical pearl, submit it here.

From the April 01, 2016 Issue of Clinical Advisor

Topics:

Pain Pain Management