Nonopioid Pain Management: Treatment Options
Recommendations for safe pain management
Prioritizing nonopioid pain relief
For many types of pain, opioids are no longer considered first-line treatment. In fact, many acute pain conditions can be managed most effectively with nonopioid medications (such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs [NSAIDs] and acetaminophen).1 Recommending over-the-counter (OTC) analgesics when acute pain presents can prevent exposure to the risks of opioids and reduce the possibility of reliance on opioids in the future. There are opportunities to reduce exposure to opioids with equally effective monotherapy and combination therapy OTC medications.2
Oral NSAIDs, combination analgesics (e.g., ibuprofen and acetaminophen), and acetaminophen are effective initial treatment approaches for acute pain. They have well-established safety profiles without the same dependence potential as opioids. Medication selection should always be based on minimizing risks for the specific patient.3
Nonopioid therapies are at least as effective as opioids for many common acute pain conditions, including4:
- Low back pain
- Neck pain
- Pain related to musculoskeletal injuries (e.g., sprains, strains, tendonitis, and bursitis)
- Mild postoperative pain associated with minimal tissue injury (e.g., simple dental extraction)
- Dental pain
- Kidney stone pain
- Headaches including episodic migraine
According to the CDC, clinicians should maximize use of nonopioid pharmacologic (e.g., topical or oral NSAIDs, acetaminophen) and non-pharmacologic (e.g., ice, heat, elevation, rest, immobilization, or exercise) therapies as appropriate for the specific pain condition.4
Pain management tools & resources
Haleon HealthPartner has curated a collection of tools & resources that may be helpful to you and your patients as you consider pain relief options. Access them now!
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