Articles tagged with Analgesics
A new study suggests that statins can reduce chest muscle loss in smokers, while aspirin may contribute to increased muscle loss. The study examined data from 4,191 participants and found that statins protected pectoralis muscle area and density, whereas aspirin led to decreased muscle mass.
A new study found that viewing nature can help ease how people experience pain by reducing the brain activity linked to pain perception. The research suggests that the pain-relieving effect of nature is genuine and could provide an alternative way to relieve pain, potentially used in conjunction with medication.
A new study by Boston University School of Public Health refutes claims that Medicaid expansion increases misuse of prescription opioids and benzodiazepines. Despite initial concerns, the study found no association between Medicaid expansion and non-prescribed opioid use among people who inject drugs.
Researchers are conducting a clinical trial to find the optimal combination of pain management tools for patients undergoing mastectomy procedures. The study will enroll approximately 100 patients and examine various combinations of pectoralis nerve blocks, non-opioid analgesics, and administration methods.
Researchers found that aspirin prevents cancers from spreading by decreasing a clotting factor called thromboxane A2 and releasing T cells from suppression. This discovery could lead to the development of targeted treatments to prevent cancer metastasis, making aspirin potentially less expensive than antibody-based therapies.
People who took over-the-counter pain relievers after a concussion recovered faster than those who did not take pain relievers. Those who took pain relievers were cleared to return to activities with no restrictions an average of two days faster at 50% recovery and seven days faster at 90% recovery.
A NIH-funded research team has engineered a medication that targets the body's cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1), which shows promise in treating acute and chronic pain. The new drug, VIP36, is more 'peripherally restricted' compared to previous drugs, reducing unwanted side effects.
Research reveals nearly 10% of individuals with disabilities misused prescription drugs in the past year, compared to 4.4% without disabilities. Young adults and those with cognitive disabilities are particularly vulnerable to prescription drug misuse.
The FDA has approved a new treatment for Parkinson's disease that can adjust to the individual's brain activity, providing precise stimulation. This technology, known as adaptive deep brain stimulation (aDBS), detects patterns of brain activity and delivers tailored electric pulses to reduce symptoms.
A rare case report highlights the association between systemic mastocytosis and severe osteoporosis in a young adult patient, emphasizing the importance of early diagnosis and consideration of SM as an underlying cause. The study aims to raise awareness about this underrecognized condition and its potential impact on bone health.
Researchers at Tokyo University of Science have found that opioid delta-receptor agonists can alleviate stress-induced IBS symptoms in a validated mouse model by targeting the central nervous system. The study suggests that these drugs could provide a more definitive solution for IBS with minimal adverse effects.
A new survey by the Annenberg Public Policy Center finds that nearly half of US adults incorrectly think taking a daily low-dose aspirin reduces heart attack and stroke risk. The survey reveals significant gaps in understanding about aspirin use among older adults, with younger respondents more likely to correctly assess the risks.
Non-white communities had significantly less access to opioid medications, despite declines in prescription use across the US. Communities of color may be especially vulnerable to the unintended consequences of efforts to reduce opioid analgesics.
Despite decreased aspirin use among adults with low and higher ASCVD risk, many patients with limited benefit to treatment continue taking aspirin. The study highlights the need for better understanding of individual risk factors to improve treatment decisions.
Researchers at UT Health San Antonio and The University of Texas at San Antonio have won the 2025 Hill Prizes for their groundbreaking work on non-opioid painkillers and emergency airway management. The $500,000 prize funding will support the development of novel analgesics and a new design for endotracheal tubes.
A Rutgers University study found that a combination of acetaminophen and ibuprofen controls pain after wisdom tooth removal better than opioids. Patients who received the non-opioid medication experienced less pain, better sleep, and higher satisfaction compared to those receiving hydrocodone with acetaminophen.
Researchers will analyze tissue samples from 100 patients over three years to understand why some respond better than others to biologic and targeted therapies. The study aims to improve matching of treatments to individual patients, reducing the guesswork and cost associated with ineffective treatment.
Researchers found that methanolic extract and palmatine from Annona squamosa leaves exhibit analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-hyperalgesic properties. Palmatine may be responsible for the plant's anti-arthritic effects. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings and assess their therapeutic potential.
A randomized clinical study found that an opioid-free treatment pathway is both safe and effective for bariatric surgery patients. The alternative method, which combines three different medicines, significantly reduces the need for opioids during treatment.
Scientists identify hederagenin, a highly selective antagonist of NPFFR1, to block chronic pain. The discovery could facilitate the rational design of future therapeutics for pain management.
New research from the University of Pittsburgh found that opioids can suppress the immune system and reduce the effectiveness of immunotherapy for head and neck cancer. However, peripherally restricted OPRM1 antagonists (PAMORAs) may block opioid-induced immunosuppression and improve response rates to immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy.
A new study by the University of Waterloo found that nearly 68% of Canadian patients who used antipsychotics had more behavioral issues than before medication. Non-drug therapies like music and social interaction have been shown to help manage behavior without antipsychotics.
Researchers at NYU Pain Research Center have found a new receptor for nerve growth factor that plays an important role in pain signaling. The discovery holds promise for finding new treatments for arthritis and other forms of inflammatory and cancer pain without the side effects of recent therapies.
A new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that Mexican American women are more likely to miss prescribed doses of stroke prevention medications. The study highlights sex-associated disparities in stroke care, particularly among racial and ethnic minorities.
A new study published in Academic Emergency Medicine finds that low-dose ketamine is an effective adjunct to morphine for managing acute pain, providing relief to both opioid-tolerant and opioid-naive patients. The study demonstrates significant reductions in pain scores for 30 minutes compared to a placebo.
Researchers at Linköping University pinpointed the exact location of a specific calcium channel fine-tuning pain signals. This knowledge can be used to develop drugs for chronic pain that are more effective and have fewer side effects.
Research published in European Heart Journal reveals that taking an NSAID with anticoagulant medication increases the risk of internal bleeding. The study found a significant increase in bleeding risks for various organs, including gut, brain, lungs, and bladder.
A recent study published at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions 2024 found that blood thinners did not reduce cognitive decline in adults younger than age 65 who have atrial fibrillation (AFib) but no other risk factors for stroke. The trial included over 1,200 participants and followed them for an average of 3.7 years...
A new scientific statement highlights improvements in diagnosis, initial treatment, and long-term management of patients with Kawasaki Disease, emphasizing the need for tailored management strategies. Advances in cardiac imaging techniques and risk categorization have led to better patient outcomes.
A large-scale clinical trial will enroll 644 children across the US to determine if adding acetaminophen or ketorolac to opioid-based pain control reduces pain in critically ill children. The study aims to improve pediatric intensive care worldwide by reducing side effects and increasing long-term patient outcomes.
A team of researchers developed a wearable camera system that uses artificial intelligence to detect potential medication delivery errors. The AI achieved high sensitivity and specificity in identifying vial-swap errors, making it a critical safeguard in operating rooms, intensive-care units, and emergency-medicine settings.
The number of seizures in US children due to medication or substance exposure has more than doubled between 2009 and 2023. The main culprits are over-the-counter antihistamines, prescription antidepressants, painkillers, and synthetic cannabinoids.
A new antibody, 3E1, has been developed to target cell adhesion molecule 1 (CADM1) on nerves, offering a potential long-lasting pain relief solution. The study found that 3E1 exhibited analgesic effects lasting up to 24 hours, significantly longer than existing treatments.
Researchers used AI to repurpose FDA-approved drugs for chronic pain treatment. The LISA-CPI framework identified compounds that can bind to specific pain receptors and modulate signaling effects. Studies are underway to validate these compounds in the lab, offering a promising approach to advanced pain management.
A new randomized study of 168 people investigated the neurochemical underpinnings of the placebo-effect, finding that dopamine does not play a direct causal role in establishing positive treatment expectations and placebo analgesia. Instead, dopamine may interact with reward processing related to active agency and motivation.
A new study from Mass General Brigham researchers found that large language models demonstrated no racial or gender discrimination in opioid treatment recommendations. The results suggest that these AI models have the potential to reduce bias and improve health equity in pain management, which is a critical area where disparities exist.
A WVU researcher argues that more validation is needed for the increasing number of gallbladder surgeries performed for biliary dyskinesia, a functional gallbladder disorder. The researcher suggests that a combination of factors must come together to diagnose and select patients who would benefit from surgery.
MIT chemists have developed a new way to synthesize complex oligocyclotryptamines found in plants, which could hold potential as antibiotics, analgesics, or cancer drugs. The approach allows for precise assembly of the rings and control of the 3D orientation of each component.
A national cohort study found that no routine clinical lab test can aid in diagnosing post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Ongoing inflammation is thought to contribute to symptoms like anosmia and PASC. Researchers also discovered a link between SARS-CoV-2 and diabetes risk, independent of PASC symptoms.
A review of 148 studies found nearly one in ten patients experience opioid dependence or disorder, while nearly one in three show symptoms. The study emphasizes the need for accurate estimates to develop effective interventions and manage the problem.
A study published in JAMA Oncology found that regular aspirin use significantly lowers the risk of colorectal cancer in individuals with higher lifestyle-related risk factors. The benefits were most pronounced among those with unhealthiest lifestyles, where treating 78 patients with aspirin would prevent one case of colorectal cancer o...
A cohort study found that aspirin use was associated with a greater absolute reduction in risk of colorectal cancer among individuals with less healthy lifestyles. Lifestyle risk factors may help identify those with a more favorable risk-benefit profile for cancer prevention with aspirin.
A new study found that flurbiprofen ester injection via continuous intravenous drip significantly relieved pain during transvaginal 4-dimensional hysterosalpingography (TVS 4D-HyCoSy) for infertility patients. The use of flurbiprofen ester also reduced the incidence of adverse reactions during the contrast examination.
A new University of Michigan study found that over 82% of Americans aged 50-80 take one or more prescription medications, with 80% open to stopping certain drugs. However, researchers stress the importance of personalized guidance for deprescribing older adults, particularly those taking medication for cardiovascular disease or diabetes.
A new study by Duke University Medical Center finds that over half of commonly used medications for astronauts might expire before a three-year journey to Mars. The study highlights the need for space agencies to plan for expired medications, which could pose a challenge for crew health.
Researchers at Mainz University have identified aniquinazolin B, a natural substance from the marine fungus Aspergillus nidulans, which stimulates opioid receptors and could potentially replace opioids in the long term. The compound shows promising results with fewer undesirable reactions compared to opioids.
Researchers identified a viable path to developing a novel therapy that would make opioids more effective and safer as a treatment for chronic pain. The study found that selective Hsp90 inhibitors amplified the pain-relieving effects of morphine, reducing tolerance and side effects.
Researchers found that a specific gene variation in women with chronic pelvic pain makes them more likely to respond to the medication gabapentin. The study could lead to tailored treatment and minimize adverse effects for millions of women worldwide.
A team of researchers has identified the PIEZO2 protein as a critical mediator of sensory signals that maintain chronic pain. The study found that gain-of-function mutations in the PIEZO2 gene can mimic the effects of chronic pain in C-fibers, suggesting a new target for pain medication.
A UCLA Health study discovered that suvorexant, an insomnia medication, blocks brain receptors for hypocretin and prevents opioid addiction in mice. The drug maintains behavioral alertness at lower doses than those inducing sleep. Further studies are needed to determine its effectiveness in humans with opioid use disorder.
A new American Heart Association scientific statement highlights the benefits of palliative care in managing symptoms and improving quality of life for people with cardiovascular disease. Palliative care complements standard cardiovascular care by reducing physical symptoms, emotional distress, and assisting patients in making decision...
A survey of 150 million adults in the US suggests that nearly a third of those aged 60 or older are using aspirin for primary prevention of cardiovascular disease without medical advice. The findings highlight the urgent need for physicians to discuss the benefits and risks of aspirin use with their patients.
Rashes are a common side effect of antiseizure medications, occurring in 2-16% of patients, with 5% indicating life-threatening reactions. Patients should seek medical treatment immediately if rashes develop, regardless of severity.
A case report describes the successful use of thoracic paravertebral blocking to manage severe chronic pain associated with post-herpetic neuralgia. The procedure, involving repeated injections of levobupivacaine and dexamethasone, resulted in significant pain subsidence and reduced medication needs.
Researchers found that five cannabis terpenes reduced chronic neuropathic pain levels comparable to morphine. The combination of terpenes and morphine enhanced pain relief without negative side effects. Terpenes offer an alternative to opioids for pain management with a better side effect profile.
A recent study found that treatment with intravenous acetaminophen for 5 days in critically ill sepsis patients was safe, but did not improve the primary end point of days alive and free of organ support. The study suggests acetaminophen may have a role in preventing or treating organ dysfunction in sepsis.
A clinical trial found that intravenous acetaminophen reduced the risk of organ injury and acute respiratory distress syndrome in sepsis patients. The therapy gave the greatest benefit to those most at risk for organ damage, showing a slight decrease in mortality.
Researchers at Ochsner Health have developed SRP-001, a novel medication that leverages unique biological mechanisms to alleviate pain without typical side effects. The first-in-human Phase 1 trial confirms SRP-001's safety and tolerability, paving the way for its progression to further clinical stages.
A new screening algorithm combining maternal history, ultrasound data and several tests for blood markers may predict most preeclampsia cases in the first trimester of pregnancy. The study found that personalized risk-based treatment decisions may improve adherence to preventative measures.
A male Sumatran orangutan applied sap from a climbing plant with anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties to a facial wound, closing it within five days. This self-medication behavior may have originated in a common ancestor shared by humans and orangutans.