Articles tagged with Analgesics
Researchers found a specific type of sensory nerve cell that responds to itch-inducing stimuli but not pain, suggesting a possible solution for chronic itch. This discovery may help develop treatments for life-saving medications and improve our understanding of the relationship between pain and itch.
Researchers used electric stimulation to release an opiate-like substance that reduces pain in the brain. The study found a significant improvement in patients' threshold for cold pain, but not their clinical pain levels. Repeated sessions are required for lasting effects.
A brain imaging study found that THC, the psychoactive ingredient in cannabis, reduces the emotional reaction to pain but does not reduce the intensity of pain. The study suggests that individual responses to cannabis-based pain relief may vary greatly.
Patients who quit smoking and took aspirin and statin before undergoing treatment for blocked leg arteries were less likely to suffer complications six months later. The study found that more than half of patients studied failed to receive minimal medical therapy, despite doctors' efforts.
A recent study found that true aspirin resistance is extremely rare, with no cases identified. However, coated aspirin may lead to a false diagnosis due to delayed absorption and coating effects.
The overprescription of opioids is contributing to increased fatal drug overdoses and diversion to the illegal market. Researchers recommend a shift towards alternative pain management approaches.
Researchers found a significant association between NSAID use and reduced risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and death from chronic liver disease. Aspirin use was found to have the strongest protective effect, with participants experiencing a 41% reduced risk of HCC and 45% reduced risk of CLD mortality.
Researchers at the University of Warwick have discovered a potential new treatment to prevent strokes in high-risk patients. Using ultrasound scanning, they found that tirofiban, an anti-platelet drug, can suppress microemboli in patients who have developed clots despite previous treatment with aspirin.
Researchers at the University of Liverpool are leading a £1.5 million project to trial `immunoglobulin' in patients with complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). The study aims to explore the potential benefits of this new treatment approach for people with severe chronic pain.
A GW researcher has received a grant to study the effectiveness of Tamsulosin as an alternative treatment for kidney stones, with the goal of reducing complications and speeding up stone passage. The four-year study will enroll patients in three Emergency Departments and randomize them to receive either Tamsulosin or a placebo.
Researchers discovered a specific mutation in the sodium channel Nav1.7 that predicts which chronic pain patients will respond to carbamazepine treatment. The study offers hope for more systematic and effective treatment of chronic pain, potentially benefiting millions of Americans suffering from the condition.
A 12-week clinical study found that nabilone significantly reduces pain and improves sleep in patients with diabetic neuropathy, with few side effects. The medication, a synthetic cannabinoid, has been used to treat nausea in chemotherapy patients and is now being considered for treating neuropathy pain in diabetics.
A study found that aspirin use significantly improves survival rates for patients with a specific gene mutation, but has limited impact on those without. The study suggests a new genetic marker to predict therapy effectiveness.
A new dissolvable oral strip has been developed to immediately relieve pain from burns caused by hot foods and liquids. The strip, containing benzocaine and a therapeutic polymer, is applied directly to the burned area and quickly dissolves for instant pain relief and promotes healing.
A new study by University of Colorado Denver reveals that today's adolescents are abusing prescription pain medications at a rate 40 percent higher than previous generations. The prevalence of prescription pain medication abuse among the current generation of youth is higher than any generation ever measured, driven by factors such as ...
Women who regularly use aspirin have a decreased risk of serous ovarian cancer, an aggressive form of the disease. However, the benefit must be balanced against potential adverse effects of pain medication use.
A new study reveals that nonprescription medication abuse is a significant issue, with 48% of cases involving pharmaceutical overdoses. The most common medications involved were sleeping pills, muscle relaxants, and pain relievers, leading to 35 deaths in 2011.
Observational research suggests that daily low-dose aspirin may protect the brain in elderly women at high risk of heart disease and stroke. The study found that women taking aspirin for five years showed less decline in cognitive ability than those not taking the drug.
A study found that mexiletine improved patient-reported stiffness and symptoms of myotonia in patients with nondystrophic myotonias, a rare genetic disorder. The medication was associated with significant improvements in quality of life scales and quantitative measures of myotonia.
Evidence suggests aspirin may lower colorectal cancer risk by 24% and mortality rates by 35%, but concerns remain about side effects. The ESMO Congress debates whether aspirin should be used for chemoprevention of colorectal adenoma/cancer.
A University of Kentucky study investigated the habit-forming properties of tramadol, a popular pain medication. Researchers found that participants rated tramadol highly, suggesting an increased potential for abuse, even at doses above the normal therapeutic range.
A Kansas State University professor's research on post-surgery pain treatment and osteoarthritis therapy in dogs aims to develop better ways to treat humans. The study found that hot and cold packing can be effective in reducing swelling, with a recommended time frame of 10 minutes.
The European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) has awarded 16 new centers with integrated oncology and palliative care accreditation. A new study from Italy highlights the underuse of adjuvant analgesics in cancer pain management, emphasizing close patient follow-up.
Researchers at Mount Sinai identified reliable predictors of pain in inpatients, enabling interdisciplinary teams to develop targeted intervention plans. These plans resulted in decreased pain levels and increased patient satisfaction across various departments, with reported pain levels decreasing by 3.6% per quarter.
A new report outlines best practices for US states to improve their effectiveness in curbing prescription drug abuse and overdose deaths. The study found that proactive approaches, such as analyzing data and sharing information with prescribers and law enforcement, can prevent painkiller misuse and reduce fatal overdoses.
A recent study found that frequent use of ibuprofen and acetaminophen is associated with an increased risk of hearing loss in women. The study, published in the American Journal of Epidemiology, suggests that these pain-relieving medicines may reduce blood flow to the cochlea or deplete factors that protect it from damage.
A study published in Liver Transplantation found that living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) has an excellent survival rate for patients with acute liver failure, with a 10-year survival of 73%. Patient age and donor age are significant factors in long-term outcome post-transplant. The study suggests that LDLT is a viable treatment ...
A centralized prescription network, PharmaNet, implemented in British Columbia pharmacies reduced inappropriate prescriptions for opioid analgesics and benzodiazepines. The study found a 33-49% reduction in potentially inappropriate prescriptions for opioids and benzodiazepines in patients on social assistance and seniors.
A multicenter study found that taking aspirin is associated with a lower risk of death from prostate cancer, especially in high-risk disease. The study analyzed data from almost 6,000 men with prostate cancer treated with surgery or radiotherapy, and the results showed a significant reduction in mortality rates and cancer recurrence.
The Aspirin-clopidogrel trial found that the combination did not offer significant benefits for stroke prevention in patients with lacunar strokes. Instead, it increased the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding. Meanwhile, overall stroke risk has decreased by more than three-fold over the past decade.
The study found that global platelet reactivity is a significant predictor of ischemic events in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) who are at high risk. Patients who do not respond to clopidogrel therapy have a higher prevalence of adverse cardiovascular events, including ischemic events and cardiac death.
The WOEST study reveals that omitting aspirin in patients treated with oral anticoagulants and having a coronary stent is safe. Results show less bleeding and lower mortality rates compared to traditional triple therapy. This finding has significant implications for future treatment guidelines.
The RECLOSE 2-ACS study found that approximately 20% of patients had a high platelet reactivity to aspirin and were nonresponders. These patients had a significantly higher prevalence of an ischemic event or cardiac death at the 2 year follow-up.
Researchers found that community-based pharmacists can identify knee osteoarthritis patients and improve their quality of care, pain management, and function. The study suggests a novel approach to preventing and treating knee OA, highlighting the importance of multidisciplinary care.
Researchers at the University of Liverpool have developed novel compounds targeting the glycine receptor to treat chronic pain without sedative effects. The project aims to create a safe and effective oral tablet, addressing a huge unmet medical need for 20% of adults in Europe and the US.
Scientists have developed a simple, paper-strip test that can identify counterfeit versions of Panadol, one of the most-frequently faked medicines globally. The test, which takes less than 10 minutes, uses colorimetric chemistry on chemically treated paper to detect suspicious ingredients.
A Rhode Island Hospital researcher found that electronic prescription drug monitoring programs (PMPs) may influence medical care and detect opioid abuse. PMP users were more likely to refer patients to treatment and monitor them with urine screens.
Scientists have discovered a key mechanism in the body's immune system that amplifies opioid addiction. Laboratory studies show that the drug (+)-naloxone selectively blocks this immune-addiction response, reducing cravings for opioid drugs without targeting the brain's wiring.
A recent pooled analysis of randomized trials found a significant decrease in overall cancer mortality associated with daily aspirin use. The study, which looked at data from over 100,000 participants, found a 37% reduction in overall cancer death risk during a five-year follow-up analysis.
A large observational study found daily aspirin use associated with modestly lower cancer mortality, with significant reductions in gastrointestinal tract and certain other cancers. However, the study's findings are smaller than previous analyses, highlighting the need for further research to determine potential benefits.
Off-label drug use is a widespread practice in medicine, with roughly 1 in 5 prescriptions filled for an off-label use. Patients may not be aware when their prescribed medications are being used off-label, as there is no requirement for physicians to disclose this information through informed consent.
Scientists have developed a method to identify new uses for existing medicines, using 11 factors to pair likely drugs with diseases. The 'Train-Match-Fit-Streamline' approach could lead to repurposing of medicines like Celebrex and hookworm treatment for cancer.
A new study published in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology suggests that aspirin use may protect against Barrett's esophagus (BE), the largest known risk factor for esophageal cancer. High-dose aspirin was significantly associated with decreased BE risk, but caution is advised due to potential cardiovascular benefits.
Medical Developments International (MDI) has signed a technology deal with CSIRO to develop a new production process for the pain-relieving drug Penthrox, known as the green whistle. The partnership aims to reduce production costs and enable large-scale production for global sales in the UK and Europe.
Researchers at the University of Granada have found that ibuprofen has beneficial effects on bone repair following a fracture or surgery. The study shows that a therapeutic dose of ibuprofen does not inhibit osteoblast cell proliferation and synthesis, which is crucial for bone development and growth.
A clinical study published by The Endocrine Society reveals that over half of type 2 diabetes patients are aspirin resistant, increasing the risk of blood clots causing heart attacks and strokes.
A new Stanford University School of Medicine study has found that genetics significantly impact the severity of opiate side effects, such as nausea and respiratory depression. The research also suggests that genetic variations can influence an individual's risk of addiction to these powerful painkillers.
Researchers found that pre-operative aspirin therapy can halve the risk of post-operative acute kidney failure. The study involved 3,219 patients and showed a significant decrease in incidence of acute renal failure with aspirin use.
Researchers have developed a simple blood test that can identify patients who will not respond to the painkiller tramadol. The test measures the ratio of tramadol's metabolite O-demethyltramadol (ODT) to tramadol itself, allowing doctors to switch non-responding patients to alternative painkillers like morphine.
A study of nearly 200,000 individuals found daily low-dose aspirin use associated with increased risk of major gastrointestinal or cerebral bleeding. Patients with diabetes had high rates of major bleeding, irrespective of aspirin use.
Children are at risk of liver failure and death from acetaminophen overdoses, which can be prevented with improved labelling, dosing devices, and pharmacist counseling. N-acetylcysteine is the standard treatment for liver toxicity related to an overdose.
The increasing misuse of prescription opioids has led to a four-fold rise in individual use since the mid-1990s, resulting in nearly three-quarters of fatal drug overdoses being due to prescription drugs. Experts recommend expanded prescription drug monitoring programs to identify potential abusers and protect pain patients.
A recent study published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine found that nearly a quarter of adults at risk of overdosing on single OTC acetaminophen products by exceeding the dose of four grams in a 24-hour period. Additionally, nearly half were at risk of overdosing by 'double-dipping' with two acetaminophen-containing products.
Researchers found tart cherry juice significantly reduces inflammation in women with osteoarthritis, particularly those with high inflammation levels. Drinking twice daily for three weeks led to notable reductions in inflammatory markers.
A new study suggests that long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like aspirin can decrease the risk of squamous cell carcinoma and malignant melanoma. The findings indicate a potential cancer-protective effect of NSAID use, which should be considered when discussing benefits and harms.
Researchers have identified an unexpected source of diabetic neuropathy pain in laboratory rats with diabetes: changes in the structure of dendritic spines. This finding suggests a potential therapeutic strategy by targeting abnormal spines to alleviate pain.
Researchers at the University of Leeds have found that persistent pain and hyperalgesia are generated by the same nerves but through different mechanisms. The discovery could lead to more effective painkillers with fewer side effects.
A study by Keith Hawton and colleagues found a significant reduction in co-proxamol-related poisonings after its UK withdrawal in 2005. Deaths involving other analgesics remained stable despite increased prescribing, suggesting the removal of co-proxamol had major benefits on suicide rates.
A new study by Michigan State University researchers found that the peak risk for misusing prescription pain relievers occurs in mid-adolescence, specifically around 16 years old. The results suggest that prevention programs may need to be introduced earlier, in childhood and early adolescence.
A landmark clinical trial found that aspirin and warfarin are equally effective in preventing a combined risk of death, stroke, and cerebral hemorrhage in heart failure patients. The WARCEF trial, which involved over 2,300 patients, showed that the overall risks and benefits of the two medications are similar.