Perioperative intravenous acetaminophen and NSAIDs

Area of Science:

• Anesthesiology
• Pharmacology
• Pain Management

Background:

• Unrelieved postoperative pain leads to adverse physiological and psychological consequences, impacting recovery and hospital stay.
• Multimodal analgesia, including nonopioid options, is a strategy to reduce opioid use and improve outcomes.
• Effective pain management enhances patient satisfaction, promotes earlier ambulation, and facilitates discharge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the key aspects of using intravenous acetaminophen (APAP) for postoperative pain management.

Main Methods:

• Focused literature review.

Main Results:

• Intravenous APAP is safe and effective for mild-to-moderate postoperative pain.
• It has a favorable side effect profile with no significant drug-drug interactions.
• APAP does not affect platelet aggregation, making it suitable for patients with bleeding concerns.

Conclusions:

• Intravenous APAP is a safe and effective first-line analgesic for perioperative acute mild-to-moderate pain.
• It is particularly useful when oral administration is impractical or rapid, predictable dosing is required.