A Practical Approach to Using Adjuvant Analgesics in Older Adults

Area of Science:

• Geriatrics
• Pain Management
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Adjuvant analgesics were initially developed for non-pain indications.
• Their early use focused on opioid co-analgesia for cancer pain.
• The role of adjuvant analgesics has evolved significantly over three decades.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the evidence supporting the analgesic potential of adjuvant drugs.
• To discuss best practices for selecting and dosing adjuvant analgesics.
• To provide a practical categorization of adjuvant analgesics by indication.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of analgesic trials and clinical experience.
• Categorization of adjuvant analgesics based on broad indications (multipurpose, neuropathic pain, musculoskeletal pain, cancer pain).
• Analysis of evidence for analgesic efficacy and safety.

Main Results:

• Adjuvant analgesics are now frequently used as primary analgesics for specific chronic pain conditions.
• These drugs can be valuable in managing chronic pain in older adults with appropriate patient selection and administration.
• A practical categorization aids in understanding their diverse applications.

Conclusions:

• Adjuvant analgesics represent a critical class of drugs for chronic pain management.
• Evidence supports their use as primary analgesics, particularly for specific pain types.
• Careful patient selection and dosing are essential for optimizing their benefits in older adults.