Research on pain-relieving drugs. Covers new pain-management startups, omega-3 approaches, drug safety, and AI-driven drug discovery.
A study of 300 children with mild, persistent asthma found that acetaminophen was not associated with worsening asthma symptoms compared to ibuprofen. The results suggest that acetaminophen can be used safely in children with this condition.
Researchers identified a novel compound with comparable painkilling power to morphine but without respiratory suppression. The new compound's potential is enhanced by early signs of reduced addiction potential in mouse studies.
Researchers developed a novel opioid drug candidate by starting from scratch using computational techniques to explore over four trillion chemical interactions. The new compound, PZM21, blocked pain effectively like morphine but did not trigger deadly side effects, including breathing interference and addiction.
Researchers have synthesized a molecule called PZM21 that targets brain pain systems without triggering respiratory impairment or constipation like morphine. The new agent holds promise as both a clinical treatment and a tool for exploring the workings of brain pain systems.
A randomized trial led by Boston Children's Hospital found no difference between acetaminophen and ibuprofen in treating pain and fever in children with mild persistent asthma. The study enrolled 300 children aged 1-5 years old and showed that both medications were effective in controlling asthma symptoms.
A study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that prenatal acetaminophen use was associated with increased risk of conduct problems and hyperactivity symptoms in children. Maternal acetaminophen use at 32 weeks of pregnancy also linked to higher risk for emotional symptoms and total difficulties in children.
A US study published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine found that prescribing short-acting opioids with no refills to opioid-naive patients significantly reduces the risk of long-term dependency. The study analyzed data from Oregon, which has the highest rate of non-medical opioid use in the US.
Researchers at University of Leeds and Hebei Medical University found that Substance P reduces sensations of pain in peripheral nervous system but triggers pain in central nervous system. This discovery could lead to new methods for pain control with limited side effects.
Researchers identified three key brain regions involved in hypnosis, including decreased activity in the dorsal anterior cingulate and increased connections between the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and the insula. These changes may help understand how hypnosis affects perception and body control.
Researchers found that carnosol and carnosic acid inhibit two enzymes involved in inflammation, fever, and pain. These natural products are considered potential alternatives to classical anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs with well-documented side effects.
A new study shows that a non-drug approach combining behavioral therapy and social support can effectively manage chronic pain in individuals with addiction, improving their ability to function and reducing substance use. The low-cost approach, called ImPAT, has the potential to be widely adopted by addiction treatment centers worldwide.
Research suggests that people with chronic low back pain are more likely to use illicit drugs, including marijuana, cocaine, and methamphetamine. Those with a history of illicit drug use are also more likely to have a prescription for opioid analgesics.
Researchers at Queen's University have found that combining pregabalin with duloxetine improves fibromyalgia symptoms, offering a new treatment option for patients. The study suggests that this combination can safely improve pain relief, physical function, and overall quality of life.
A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine finds that patients undergoing certain types of surgery are at increased risk of becoming chronic users of opioid painkillers. The study highlights the need for surgeons and physicians to closely monitor patients' use of opioids after surgery and use alternate methods of pain control.
A new web-based database, AERSMine, has been developed to analyze clinical responses of over 5 million patients to FDA-approved drugs. The tool identifies unexpected benefits and harm, as well as alternative treatment choices for individual patients.
A University of Georgia study found that medical marijuana leads to lower prescription drug use, particularly for conditions like glaucoma and pain. The study estimated savings of $468 million if all states had implemented medical marijuana laws.
A team of FAU researchers has discovered a substance called capsazepine that activates the mustard oil receptor, leading to reduced inflammation and sensitivity in nociceptors. This breakthrough could lead to the development of highly effective painkillers for diseases such as joint arthrosis and chronic pancreatitis.
A study in the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs found that Maine's pharmacists were not utilizing its prescription-monitoring program, which could increase patient safety. Meanwhile, a second study suggests that local 'drug take-back' programs can increase public awareness and usage.
Researchers found that wearable biosensors can detect opioid use by tracking physical changes such as decreased movement and rising skin temperature. The devices may be useful for monitoring developing opioid tolerance and detecting relapse in rehab patients.
A study published in Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that more than one-third of atrial fibrillation patients with an intermediate-to-high-risk of stroke are prescribed aspirin instead of oral anticoagulants. This discrepancy may be due to misconceptions about aspirin's efficacy compared to oral anticoagulants.
A small study found that long-term opioid treatment increased pain intensities, fatigue, and impaired daily activities in patients with sickle cell disease. Central sensitization, a phenomenon amplifying painful sensations, was also more pronounced in those on opioids.
The Aspirin-Guide app calculates cardiovascular disease and bleeding risk scores to help clinicians decide which patients are suitable for low-dose aspirin. It provides personalized decision-making support for primary prevention of cardiovascular disease, facilitating informed discussions between healthcare providers and patients.
Researchers found nearly 40% of AF patients at intermediate to high risk for stroke treated with aspirin alone, despite previous data showing blood thinners more beneficial. The study highlights the need for cardiology specialists to adhere to standardized recommendations regarding the use of oral blood thinners.
A Vanderbilt University Medical Center study found long-acting opioids significantly increase the risk of death from unintentional overdose and cardiorespiratory events. Alternative medications, such as anticonvulsants and low doses of cyclic antidepressants, may be safer options for managing moderate-to-severe chronic pain.
A new study reveals significant regional, demographic, and educational differences in how Americans share health information online. Young people discuss ADHD on drug review sites, while older users discuss physical disorders like diabetes and heart conditions.
A study found that long-acting opioids for chronic noncancer pain were associated with a 1.6 times greater risk of all-cause mortality compared to anticonvulsants or cyclic antidepressants. Cardiovascular deaths accounted for over half of the excess deaths.
A community-based pain management programme for patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain has improved depression and social integration. The intervention showed cost-effectiveness and a novel, brief, psychologically based group intervention directed at increasing participants' confidence.
A recent survey by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that more than half of patients prescribed opioids have leftover pills, with many saving them for future use. The study also revealed that nearly half of respondents received no information on safe storage and disposal of their medications.
Researchers at the University of Cincinnati found that a pre-procedure medication regimen can significantly reduce hospital stays and readmission rates for liver cancer patients undergoing DEB TACE treatment. The study involved 113 procedures in 71 patients, with only 5% requiring hospital admission due to post-procedural syndrome.
A major international review of suicide prevention has confirmed that restricting access to lethal means and providing Gatekeeper Training can be effective. The study also highlights the importance of follow-up care for individuals who have attempted suicide.
Researchers have discovered two tarantula toxins that target a previously unknown pain pathway in sensory nerves, potentially leading to new drugs for treating chronic pain. The toxins also represent a broadly applicable tool for selectively manipulating sodium channels implicated in numerous neurological disorders.
In the first year of two Florida laws aimed at reducing opioid prescriptions, the state's top prescribers wrote significantly fewer pain medication prescriptions, with a 6.2% drop in volume and 5.1% decrease in patients. Despite this, most physicians did not change their prescribing patterns.
Scientists at Duke University have discovered a potential new class of small-molecule drugs that block two key pain targets, including TRPV4 and TRPA1. These compounds show promise in treating various types of pain, such as osteoarthritis, headaches, and abdominal pain.
A new CU-Boulder study found that morphine treatment can cause chronic pain by exacerbating the release of pain signals from specific immune cells in the spinal cord. This could have far-reaching implications for humans, as opioids are already linked to thousands of fatal overdoses annually.
A study by Dr. Sarah Saxena found that breast cancer patients need fewer painkillers after non-opiate anesthesia, which may reduce side effects like nausea and vomiting. Non-opiate anesthesia could also potentially lower cancer recurrence rates, but further research is needed to confirm these findings.
A University of the Pacific professor argues that pharmacists must be part of the solution to curb opioid abuse, citing a grim diagnosis of increased misuse and alarming numbers of overdose deaths. The expert advocates for independent education and broader pain management training for prescribers and patients.
A new meta-analysis shows that ketamine is half as likely to experience persistent post-surgical pain compared to placebo, offering a cheap and safe treatment option. This could lead to significant cost savings globally if widely adopted.
Researchers found that taking aspirin immediately after a minor 'warning' event significantly reduced the risk of major stroke over the next few days. The study showed that aspirin also reduced the severity of early strokes by about 70-80%.
A study published in Neurology found that pregabalin, commonly used to treat pain and anxiety, is associated with a higher risk of major birth defects. Women taking pregabalin during pregnancy were three times more likely to have a child born with a major defect compared to those who did not take the drug.
A Mayo Clinic study found that sending children home with catheters infusing a non-narcotic nerve-blocking drug reduces opioid painkiller use and shortens hospital stays. The procedure is effective in controlling pain after the Nuss procedure, which reshapes the chest wall to correct pectus excavatum.
A new measure called the nociception (pain) level index allows physicians to more accurately evaluate responses to painful stimulation in patients under general anesthesia. This improved monitoring can lead to better anesthesia management, less pain upon regaining consciousness, and enhanced postoperative outcomes.
A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that ticagrelor, a commonly used antiplatelet medication, did not significantly reduce stroke risk in patients with transient ischemic attacks or minor strokes. The study suggests that combination therapies may be needed to better prevent strokes in this vulnerable pati...
Researchers found that participants who took acetaminophen rated others' pain as less severe and showed reduced empathy in various social scenarios. The study suggests that the popular painkiller may blunt not only physical but also emotional responses to others' misfortunes.
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine found that 87% of patients misusing drugs and alcohol suffer from chronic pain. Many use substances to alleviate physical pain, highlighting the need for comprehensive treatment strategies.
Researchers at Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation found that an enzyme thought to be beneficial can pose significant danger to developing embryos. They discovered excessive plasmin activity can lead to liver blood vessels becoming fragile and prone to bleeding.
A study published in the American Journal of Cardiology found that nearly half of coronary artery bypass patients are not taking statins and aspirin together, increasing risk of vein graft occlusion. This suggests a lack of coordination between healthcare providers and patients in adhering to long-term prevention measures.
Regular aspirin use was linked to a significantly reduced risk of developing bile duct cancer, according to a recent study. The findings suggest that additional research on the potential of aspirin for preventing bile duct cancer is warranted.
A new study suggests that a single half-hour session with a trained therapist during an ER visit can motivate people to reduce their use of prescription opioid painkillers and lower their risk of overdose. The study found a significant reduction in risky behaviors among those who received the intervention, compared to those who did not.
A systematic review of scientific literature found that taking low-dose aspirin alongside cancer treatment can reduce mortality and cancer spread by up to 20%. Researchers from Cardiff University suggest this may be due to a mutation in PIK3CA, which appears to explain the reduction in colon cancer mortality.
A Mayo-led study found that aspirin use is associated with a significantly reduced risk of developing bile duct cancer. The study showed that individuals who took aspirin had a more than two-and-a-half to three-and-a-half-fold lesser chance of developing the disease compared to those who did not take aspirin.
Researchers have identified a core component of a conotoxin from marine snail venom that retains its pain-relieving properties after simplification. This modified conotoxin successfully treated pain in a laboratory rat model similar to human irritable bowel syndrome.
The USPSTF recommends taking low-dose aspirin for primary prevention of cardiovascular disease and colorectal cancer in adults aged 50-69 years with increased risk. Aspirin use can outweigh harms for some patients, including those at high risk for CVD, improving life expectancy and quality of life.
A recent U of T study found that acetaminophen inhibits Error Related Negativity and Error Related Positivity in the brain, indicating impaired conscious awareness of errors. The research suggests potential implications for cognitive control in daily life.
A new Penn study suggests that Yelp reviews can provide a more comprehensive understanding of hospital quality by covering topics not found in government surveys. The analysis of 17,000 Yelp reviews revealed 12 additional categories covered in the Yelp reviews that are not covered by the HCAHPS survey.
A University of Virginia study found that false beliefs about biological differences between black and white people contribute to undertreated pain among black patients. White medical students and residents who held these false beliefs showed lower pain ratings and less accurate treatment recommendations for black patients.
Researchers at UTA have discovered a new approach to alleviate chronic pain by stimulating the ventral tegmental area of the brain with wireless devices. This breakthrough reduces pain signals in the spinal cord and triggers the release of dopamine, which may help reduce emotional distress associated with long-term pain.
Researchers found improved survival rates for acute liver failure patients, with overall survival increasing from 67% to 75%, and survival without a transplant rising from 45% to 56%. Transplant success also improved, with survival rates reaching 96%.
Researchers found no significant difference in pain control or bleeding risk between ibuprofen and other treatments. The study suggests that ibuprofen can provide safe and effective pain control for selected plastic surgery procedures without increasing bleeding risk.
A review of medical treatments for migraine during pregnancy and lactation has identified four treatment options that require caution, including magnesium, ondansetron, acetaminophen, and butalbital. Safe alternatives such as non-pharmacologic options like healthy lifestyle habits, relaxation training, and meditation are available
New research from Penn Medicine shows a concerning trend of increasing opioid prescribing after common surgeries, with most patients filling a prescription for an opioid pain medication within seven days. The study's findings highlight the need for better strategies to treat postoperative pain safely and effectively.