Articles tagged with Analgesics
CHOP surgeons found that opioids were often overprescribed for children's elbow fractures, with patients using less than 25% of the prescribed amount. Most patients stopped taking opioid medication after a short period, with some opting for over-the-counter pain relievers instead.
A Canadian population study tracked back pain patterns over 16 years, identifying four trajectories: persistent, developing, recovery, and occasional. The persistent and developing groups had more pain and disability, while the recovery group increased opioid use.
A study reveals GPs in poorer areas prescribe more opioids for pain, with smoking, obesity, and depression linked to increased prescribing. Chronic pain management is a challenge, with limited capacity for counseling and potential risks outweighing benefits.
Pharmacogenetic testing, which maps a person's genetic makeup, can ensure patients receive effective and safe medications. This technology has the potential to deliver an economic benefit of $12 billion over five years to the national health system in Australia.
New research suggests that taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for pain can increase the risk of severe Clostridium difficile infections. The study found that brief exposure to an NSAID prior to infection worsened infection severity and shortened survival in mice.
A Rutgers study found that Gabapentin reduces pain and improves sexual desire and satisfaction in women with vulvodynia, a condition characterized by stinging, burning, or itching at the vaginal entry point.
A new study analyzed combined results of 47 randomized clinical trials, lasting at least 12 months, involving 22,000 patients with knee osteoarthritis. The research found uncertainty around long-term effectiveness of medications in controlling pain, highlighting the need for large randomized clinical trials.
A study combining 96 randomized clinical trials found that opioids had small improvements in pain and physical functioning compared to placebo, but also an increased risk of vomiting. Nonopioid alternative pain medications showed similar benefits with lower risks.
A new study by Stanford Medicine and Duke University finds that early physical therapy can reduce the risk of long-term opioid use by 7-16% for patients with musculoskeletal pain. Physical therapy is also associated with a 5-10% reduction in opioid dosage for those who do use them.
Researchers are developing a nonopioid drug, ML351, to treat certain types of chronic pain. The drug targets a novel signaling pathway responsible for chronic pain development and has shown promise in preclinical studies.
A recent study found that opioids like methadone and buprenorphine can impair cognitive tasks and increase sleepiness, with four participants stopping their tests due to drowsiness. The study's results indicate that patients should be informed about the potential driving impairment caused by these medications.
Medication administration errors are a significant concern, with omissions being the most common cause, particularly among elderly patients. The study highlights the need for vigilant attention to safe dosing practices, especially in older adults.
A new study from the University of Eastern Finland found that strong opioids increase the risk of hip fractures in people with Alzheimer's disease. The risk was highest in the first two months of opioid use, and was significantly higher for moderate to strong opioids.
Researchers found that a fractional dose of the 17D yellow fever virus vaccine provided protective levels of antibodies for over 10 years after vaccination. This finding supports the use of fractional doses in mass vaccination campaigns before outbreaks and eliminates the need for booster shots.
A clinical trial found that aspirin reduced the number of polyps overall, including on the right side, while EPA reduced polyps on the left side. Both compounds had preventative effects by reducing specific types of polyps.
Researchers discovered that BH4 regulates T cell activity, suppressing inflammation in autoimmune conditions and enhancing responses in cancer. A new therapeutic approach targets the same pathway to treat a range of diseases.
A study published in Human Reproduction found that women fed soy-based formula milk as babies are 40% more likely to have used hormonal contraception for menstrual pain relief. The research also showed a 50% increased risk of moderate or severe menstrual discomfort between ages 18-22.
A recent study found that statin-induced musculoskeletal adverse events (MAEs) have distinct onset timings for different statins, with high-intensity statins triggering symptoms faster. The study also revealed that concomitant drug use does not alter the timing of MAEs associated with statins.
A new study found that surgery patients often take less than half of the prescribed opioid pain medications, with prescription size being the most important factor. The study suggests that surgeons can reduce opioid prescriptions and improve patient safety by considering individual factors such as pain scores and operation intensity.
Researchers at Brown University have developed an electroencephalography-based test to measure pain levels, providing a more objective approach than the traditional visual analogue scale. The test uses brain activity oscillations to determine pain levels and has shown promise in evaluating medication efficacy in animal models.
UA pharmacologists aim to prevent opioid tolerance by targeting sphingosine-1-phosphate, a lipid that may induce opioid sensitivity. Fingolimod, an existing medication for multiple sclerosis, shows promise as a potential solution.
A study at Hospital for Special Surgery found that complementary practices like meditation and mindful breathing helped patients manage chronic pain and reduced the need for medication. Participants reported improved daily function, calmness, and a better state of mind after using these techniques.
A new study proposes a human-specific understanding of disease mechanisms and novel microphysiological tools to create more predictive laboratory models. This approach holds promise for improving translation in drug discovery and reducing the use of experimental animals.
A team of scientists at McGill University Health Centre has identified the effective dose of cannabidiol (CBD) for safe pain relief without the risk of addiction or euphoria. The study found that low doses of CBD alleviate both pain and anxiety in animal models of chronic pain, offering a potential alternative to THC and opioids.
SIRVA is an uncommon phenomenon where vaccines are administered too high in the arm, causing pain that doesn't improve with over-the-counter medications. Proper vaccination landmarking techniques can help avoid SIRVA by targeting the deltoid muscle instead of the shoulder capsule.
Girls taking painkillers like paracetamol during pregnancy enter puberty on average one-and-a-half to three months earlier than expected. A large Danish cohort study suggests a 'dose-response' correlation between prolonged paracetamol use and early puberty in girls.
SLU scientist Daniela Salvemini is studying chemotherapy-induced cognitive impairment and opioid addiction to develop new treatments. Her research aims to identify novel therapeutic approaches to mitigate chemo-brain and improve quality of life for cancer patients.
A new protocol developed by Cleveland Clinic Akron General Hospital reduces opioid use after colorectal surgery, resulting in shorter hospital stays. The Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocol includes pre-emptive pain management, non-opioid general anesthesia, and postoperative programmed non-narcotic analgesics.
Median nerve stimulation triggers release of neuropeptide orexin from hypothalamus, leading to reduced inhibitory control in midbrain's pain-control region. This analgesic effect depends on endocannabinoid receptors, not opioid receptors.
A recent study published in JAMA Surgery found that patients taking aspirin alone had similar protection against blood clots as those on anticoagulant treatments. Aspirin use has become increasingly popular among Michigan surgeons, with 70% of surgeons prescribing it to patients after knee replacement surgery.
A new study reveals wide variation in benzodiazepine prescribing among primary care doctors, with some counties having three times the level of sedative prescribing as others. High-intensity prescribers tend to be high-intensity users of opioid painkillers and other high-risk medications.
Researchers at the University of Arizona are testing green light therapy for controlling HIV-related neuropathic pain, showing a 60% reduction in patient pain. The therapy may also have potential benefits for other types of pain and provide a safer alternative to opioids.
A new study suggests that postpartum depression is significantly associated with higher postpartum pain scores, and women in the postpartum depression group were more likely to have delivered by C-section. The researchers found that adequate postpartum care is needed for women at risk of postpartum pain.
A study found that patients perceive opioids as superior for post-surgical pain relief, despite concerns about addiction and side effects. However, another study showed that opioids are tied to complications after back procedures, including increased pain and poorer quality of life.
Acetaminophen's breakdown product activates glutathionylation, affecting mitochondrial energy production and leading to metabolic dysfunction. This discovery explains the drug's toxicity at high doses and may apply to other drugs with similar structures.
Experts advise against giving decongestants to children under 6 due to lack of evidence on their effectiveness. Instead, doctors should reassure patients that symptoms are self-limiting and will pass in a few days.
A new study from the University of Eastern Finland has found that antiepileptic drugs are linked to a higher risk of stroke among persons with Alzheimer's disease. The study also revealed that this increased risk persisted even after accounting for other chronic conditions and socioeconomic factors.
A Massachusetts General Hospital-led study found that regular aspirin use can significantly reduce the risk of developing primary liver cancer. The study analyzed data from over 133,000 participants and found a 49% reduction in relative risk for those taking two or more standard-dose tablets a week.
A new study found that daily low-dose aspirin use reduces the risk of ovarian cancer by 23 percent. In contrast, heavy use of non-aspirin NSAIDs increases the risk. The research analyzed data from over 200,000 women and confirms earlier findings about aspirin's role in reducing certain types of cancers.
A recent study published in JAMA Oncology found that low-dose aspirin (100mg or less) reduces the risk of ovarian cancer by 23% compared to non-users. Long-term heavy use of non-aspirin NSAIDs may increase this risk.
Researchers at MIT's Picower Institute argue that targeting nociception can lead to improved anesthesia outcomes, including reduced medication use and faster patient recovery. By combining drugs to affect nociception, anesthesiologists can achieve a more desirable anesthetic state with better pain control.
A new study found that pregabalin, a common painkiller, is not effective in controlling chronic pain after traumatic nerve injury. However, it did show promise in relieving post-surgical pain for patients who underwent certain procedures.
A Syracuse University study found that cannabinoid drugs make pain feel less unpleasant and more tolerable, without reducing its intensity. The review of over 1,800 experimental studies suggests an affective component to their analgesic properties.
A large international study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that daily low-dose aspirin has no effect on healthy independent living in older adults. The study enrolled over 19,000 participants and followed them for an average of 4.7 years.
A landmark study of over 19,000 participants aged 70+ found that taking low-dose aspirin daily does not prolong life free of disability or significantly reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes. The study also showed an increased risk of serious bleeding among aspirin-takers.
A large clinical trial found that daily low-dose aspirin did not prolong healthy, independent living in older adults without previous cardiovascular events. Aspirin was associated with a significantly increased risk of bleeding and an increase in cancer deaths, particularly in the gastrointestinal tract and brain.
Researchers found that brain anatomy and psychological traits can predict which patients will respond to sugar pills, resulting in reduced pain and cost savings. The study suggests that clinicians should consider prescribing sugar pills for chronic pain patients, potentially opening up a new field.
People who use drugs in NYC have changed their behaviors to prevent overdoses due to the increasing presence of fentanyl. Many reported using test shots and carrying naloxone, while others used drugs with others or reduced their consumption.
A study found a clear geographical split in opioid prescribing in England, with the North showing higher rates of chronic pain, anxiety, and poor general health. Opioid use was linked to intensity of pain, educational attainment, and general health, highlighting the need for alternative pain management strategies.
Researchers found that mental imagery techniques can effectively regulate pain perception independently of the opioid system. The study used heat pain and visual cues to manipulate participants' expectations, showing that mental imagery is an opioid-independent approach to pain management.
Researchers from Charité - Universitátsmedizin Berlin have developed a new generation of pain medications that can prevent brain- and gut-related side effects associated with conventional opioids. The drugs are designed to work only at sites affected by injury or inflammation.
A large-scale study found that diclofenac, a common painkiller, is associated with an increased risk of major cardiovascular events such as heart attack and stroke. The study suggests that diclofenac should not be available over the counter and when prescribed, should come with a warning about its potential risks.
Researchers have determined the DNA code of the opium poppy genome, unlocking key steps in how the plant evolved to produce vital medicines. The discovery may lead to improved yields and disease resistance, securing a reliable supply of effective pain relief medications.
Researchers at Wake Forest School of Medicine discover a safe and non-addictive pain medication called AT-121, which suppressed addictive effects of opioids and produced morphine-like analgesic effects. The compound also blocks abuse potential of prescription opioids like buprenorphine, offering hope to treat pain and opioid abuse.
At ESC Congress 2018, a record 156 countries were represented, with over 4,500 abstracts presented in 500 expert sessions. Key clinical trials included MARINER, CAMELLIA-TIMI 61, and ASCEND, which may impact practice and guideline updates. The congress also featured new guidelines for hypertension care.
A clinical trial of over 1,000 patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillators found that ranolazine was safe but did not significantly decrease the likelihood of the first occurrence of ventricular arrhythmia or death. However, it did lower the number of recurring episodes of ventricular tachycardia.
A large trial found that long-term single antiplatelet therapy after stenting is relatively safe, but it does not reduce the risk of death or heart attacks compared to standard dual antiplatelet therapy. The study involved over 15,000 patients and followed them for two years.
The ARRIVE trial found that daily aspirin did not reduce the occurrence of major cardiovascular events among participants at moderate cardiovascular risk. However, a lower-than-expected rate of cardiovascular events was observed, suggesting potential protection from modern preventative and therapeutic strategies such as statins.
The ARRIVE study found that daily aspirin use did not reduce cardiovascular events, but participants who took aspirin had fewer heart attacks. Aspirin reduced the risk of total and nonfatal myocardial infarction in certain age groups, but increased gastrointestinal bleeding rates.
The COMPASS trial found a significant link between major bleeding events and new cancer diagnoses in patients treated with anticoagulants. Patients who experienced bleeding were more than 20% likely to receive a new cancer diagnosis.