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Updated: May 8, 2026

Intracranial Pharmacotherapy and Pain Assays in Rodents
Published on: April 9, 2019
Pharmacologic therapy for acute pain.
Richard D Blondell1, Mohammadreza Azadfard, Angela M Wisniewski
1State University of New York at Buffalo School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA. blondell@buffalo.edu
For mild to moderate acute pain, acetaminophen or NSAIDs are first-line treatments. Severe pain requires potent opioids, with caution advised due to misuse risks.
Area of Science:
- Pain Management
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Acute pain management requires identifying the cause and tailoring treatment.
- First-line options for mild to moderate pain include acetaminophen and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Purpose of the Study:
- To outline the pharmacologic approach to managing acute pain.
- To discuss the selection criteria for first-line and subsequent pain medications.
- To highlight considerations for opioid use and patient safety.
Main Methods:
- Review of current pharmacologic strategies for acute pain.
- Comparison of analgesic efficacy and safety profiles of different drug classes.
- Emphasis on risk factor assessment for medication selection.
Main Results:
- Acetaminophen and NSAIDs are effective for mild to moderate pain, with NSAID choice dependent on patient risk factors.
- Combination therapies (e.g., acetaminophen/opioid) or dual-action agents are options for refractory pain.
- Potent opioids are indicated for severe acute pain, necessitating careful prescribing and disposal practices.
Conclusions:
- Pharmacologic management of acute pain involves a stepwise approach, starting with acetaminophen or NSAIDs.
- Adjuvant therapies and newer dual-action medications can supplement treatment.
- Prudent opioid prescribing and patient education on safe disposal are crucial due to misuse concerns.

