Articles tagged with Analgesics
Researchers discovered that inhibiting heat shock protein 90 in the spinal cord enhances opioid efficacy and decreases side effects. Hsp90 inhibitors could enable dose-reduction strategies for patients while maintaining pain relief.
A new treatment for chronic pain has been developed by researchers at the University of Copenhagen, tested in mice and published in EMBO Molecular Medicine. The targeted peptide Tat-P4-(C5)2 achieves complete pain relief without side effects.
A new study found that pharmacies in Appalachian Kentucky are limiting buprenorphine dispensing due to concerns about DEA caps, distrust of pharmaceutical companies, and stigma against people who use drugs. This limits access to effective treatment for opioid use disorder, which affects fewer than two in ten individuals.
A study published in Pediatrics found racial disparities in pain management among children presenting to emergency departments with long-bone fractures. Minority children were more likely to receive analgesics, but less likely to receive opioids and optimal pain reduction.
A new study found that almost 4 out of 5 patients with moderate pain intensity considered it tolerable, and 30-40% of those with severe pain also described it as tolerable. This suggests an alternative to traditional 0-10 rating scales could help doctors better understand patient needs.
Regular aspirin use is linked to reduced risk of bowel, oesophageal, stomach, and pancreatic cancers. Aspirin doses between 75-500mg/day are associated with increased cancer risk reduction.
Daily marijuana users with severe pain reported worsening health over the past year, despite frequent cannabis use. The study found no association between marijuana use and changes in health status among those with low levels of pain.
A new study reveals how Big Dynorphin binds to the ASIC receptor, causing pain signals. The discovery could lead to a new type of painkiller medicine, potentially reducing the risk of opioid-related adverse effects.
People with symptomatic PAD who took rivaroxaban with aspirin after revascularization had a significant reduction in the composite primary endpoint, including acute limb ischemia, major amputation, heart attack, ischemic stroke or cardiovascular death. Rivaroxaban also showed no excess in severe bleeding events.
A study of patients with diabetes found that taking ticagrelor alone reduced clinically relevant bleeding compared to combining it with aspirin, without increasing the risk of additional heart attacks, strokes, or death. The results were consistent across all types of diabetes patients.
A subgroup analysis from VOYAGER PAD found that adding clopidogrel to rivaroxaban and aspirin after lower extremity revascularization procedures did not provide any added clinical benefit for patients with peripheral artery disease. Instead, it increased the risk of bleeding events.
A randomized trial found that ticagrelor alone reduced major bleeding risk and no increased heart attacks, strokes, or other adverse events compared to dual therapy. The study suggests ticagrelor monotherapy as an optimal strategy for reducing bleeding risk in ACS patients treated with stents.
A study led by King's College London researchers analyzed existing studies on coronavirus strains to determine the safety of pain medications, steroids, and other drugs for patients with COVID-19. The study found that non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen are not evidence against their use in treating COVID-19.
A subgroup of high-risk patients with complex heart disease who took ticagrelor alone had fewer episodes of bleeding and no increase in heart attacks or stroke. Ticagrelor monotherapy significantly reduced clinically relevant bleeding without increasing the risk of additional heart attacks, strokes or death.
A pair of new studies indicate parents are more reluctant to have opioids prescribed for their children than doctors, citing fears of addiction and side-effects. Pediatricians emphasize the importance of treating children's pain while acknowledging the unknown risks of opioid treatment.
Researchers have developed highly selective ligands to label opioid receptors, shedding light on their behavior in living cells. The study reveals that most opioid receptors exist as individual entities, but a small proportion forms pairs, which may contribute to the receptor's function.
A large study published in Neurology found that taking a low-dose aspirin daily does not reduce the risk of thinking and memory problems caused by mild cognitive impairment or probable Alzheimer's disease. The study involved 19,114 participants and was supported by various funding sources.
A recent analysis found that low-dose aspirin significantly reduces the risk of liver cancer and mortality from liver disease in high-risk adults. Over an 8-year follow-up, 4.0% of patients who took low-dose aspirin developed liver cancer, compared to 8.3% of nonusers.
A new study from the University of California, Davis found that ibuprofen causes significant changes in liver enzymes in laboratory mice. The research highlights marked differences in how males and females metabolize the drug, with potential implications for human health.
A randomized clinical trial found that gabapentin, commonly used for nerve pain, was effective in reducing symptoms of alcohol use disorder. The study suggests that this medication may be beneficial for millions of Americans struggling with problem drinking and a history of withdrawal symptoms.
A study found that patients who take less opioid pain medication before discharge have lower usage during the four weeks following. Quantifying pre-discharge opioid intake may inform better pain management practices.
Researchers at UArizona College of Medicine identified prolactin as a key factor in women's pain sensitivity. The study suggests new therapies targeting the prolactin system could greatly benefit women suffering from functional pain syndromes, such as migraines and fibromyalgia.
Researchers at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin have developed new painkillers that target tissue acidity to reduce the risk of addiction. By fine-tuning the acid dissociation constant (pKa) of opioid molecules, these new drugs can selectively activate opioid receptors in injured tissue, preventing severe side effects.
A new framework for managing chronic pain in older adults emphasizes the importance of combining pharmacologic strategies with nondrug therapies. The 'start low, go slow' approach suggests beginning with low-risk, noninvasive options that involve patients in their own care, while judiciously using higher-risk treatments as needed.
Trials show that Gefapixant can ease the often distressing symptoms of chronic cough with minimal side effects. A dose of 50mg reduced coughing by 67% and another study showed that as little as 30mg was effective in reducing cough frequency.
Researchers at McGill University have discovered a protein called TACAN that plays a crucial role in sensing mechanical pain. The study provides hope for the development of powerful new analgesic drugs to treat chronic pain conditions.
A study found that over 50% of ED patients with dental-related conditions received antibiotic prescriptions, while 40% received opioid prescriptions. The American Dental Association emphasizes the importance of addressing these issues through education and policy changes.
A secondary analysis of the AUGUSTUS trial confirms that apixaban is safer than warfarin in patients with prior stroke or blood clot, while also reducing the risk of bleeding, hospitalization, and death. The study found that a strategy of apixaban plus a P2Y12 inhibitor without aspirin has the most favorable outcomes.
Researchers have identified calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) as a link between traumatic brain injuries and post-concussion headaches. A preclinical study found that administering an anti-CGRP treatment before or after injury significantly reduced pain responses and prevented reactivated headaches.
Researchers have developed a novel formulation that reduces the toxicity of crotoxin, a toxin from rattlesnake venom, and enhances its analgesic effect. In an animal model of neuropathic pain, the formulation demonstrated promising results, with longer-lasting analgesic effects compared to traditional treatments.
Research suggests that taking acetaminophen with a tendency to forgive can reduce social pain by influencing pain signaling in the brain. Forgiveness also lessens feelings of stress and anger following experiences of social exclusion. The combination may provide an antidote to the emotional and physical pains of rejection.
A 'smart' bandage developed by UConn engineers can precisely deliver different medications to chronic wounds, promoting healing and reducing morbidity. The wirelessly-controlled bandage is equipped with miniature needles that can penetrate deeper layers of the wound bed with minimal pain and inflammation.
A study analyzing over 50,000 VA patients found that increasing opioid prescription doses does not improve chronic pain management. Despite higher doses, patients' pain scores showed minimal changes, indicating that clinicians should exercise caution when escalating opioid doses.
Researchers reviewed benefits and risks of over-the-counter and prescription pain relievers, including NSAIDs, aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, and acetaminophen. The study suggests that healthcare providers and patients should make individual clinical judgements based on the entire risk factor profile to minimize harm.
A UK patient database analysis found tramadol increases hip fracture risk by up to 1.5 new cases per 1000 person-years, compared to other pain medications. The study highlights the need for tramadol's fracture risk to be considered in clinical practice and treatment guidelines.
A new study suggests that roughly half of opioid prescriptions written by dentists in the US exceed federal guidelines for pain management. Dental procedures like extractions can lead to significant pain, and researchers found that some dentists are overprescribing opioids as a result.
A survey of over 2,700 kratom users found the substance has a lower rate of harm than prescription opioids for treating pain, anxiety, and depression. While self-reporting surveys are not always reliable, the results suggest kratom may have medical applications to explore as an alternative to opioid use.
Researchers found that contaminant concentrations increased during warmer months, with higher risk to fish during spawning stages. The study also discovered that nonpoint sources, such as agricultural runoff, were the primary contributor to contaminant levels in high-flow periods.
APRNs now have full prescriptive authority for opioids in 14 states and autonomous practice in another 10 states. New laws also improve access to care through state prescription drug monitoring programs.
A large clinical trial has found that low-dose aspirin daily from early pregnancy to 36 weeks may lower the risk for preterm birth among first-time mothers by 11%. The study involved over 11,000 women in several low- and middle-income countries and showed a significant reduction in preterm delivery before 37 weeks.
A Houston Methodist study found that using long-acting local anesthetics and scheduled non-narcotic pain medication reduced opioid prescriptions from 87% to 10% after surgery. The program successfully managed pain after surgery using over-the-counter pain medication, decreasing the chance of patients becoming addicted to narcotics.
A study led by McGill University found that anti-inflammatory medications are most effective when taken during the active periods of our biological clocks, promoting post-operative healing and recovery. This discovery suggests a new approach to treating pain and inflammation following surgery.
A new study found that less than 2% of people at risk for an opioid overdose received naloxone, a life-saving drug. The study suggests that there are significant gaps in naloxone prescribing, particularly among high-risk groups such as those who have survived previous overdoses or have a history of opioid use disorder.
City of Hope scientists have found that aspirin appears to reduce tumor growth and inhibit recurrence of colorectal cancer. The right dosage of aspirin is being identified to act as a prophylactic without triggering dangerous side effects.
Researchers are developing a non-invasive device that uses transcranial direct current stimulation to desensitize areas tied to knee pain in the brain. Participants wear a cap powered by three AAA batteries and undergo 15, 20-minute sessions over three weeks.
A new study by Portland State University researchers found racial and ethnic disparities in pain treatment by emergency responders, with Hispanic and Asian patients receiving lower quality care. The study analyzed 25,732 health records and found that odds of pain assessment were 21-31% lower for these groups compared to white patients.
A new US study demonstrates the effectiveness of genicular artery embolization (GAE) in treating osteoarthritis knee pain. The minimally invasive procedure blocks blood flow to certain parts of the knee, providing rapid relief from pain and disability. Results show significant improvement in pain scores, with nearly all patients experi...
A new Boston University School of Public Health study found that the decline in prescriptions of non-opioid analgesics coincided with a marked increase in opioid prescribing. The study suggests that health risks associated with NSAIDs were one factor that led to increased prescribing of opioids.
A study published by the American Heart Association found that low-dose aspirin did not reduce the risk of a fatal heart attack among African Americans, unlike in white populations. The study used data from over 65,000 participants and suggested genetic differences and poor control of other risk factors may contribute to this result.
A new study suggests that taking aspirin daily to prevent a heart attack or stroke may no longer be recommended for adults without a history of these events. The study found that the potential benefits of aspirin are similar to its potential harms for most people, highlighting the need for personalized advice from doctors.
A recent review found that aspirin no longer provides a net benefit for primary prevention of cardiovascular disease and cancer, despite its long history of reducing heart attack risk. Aspirin use has decreased in recent years due to the emergence of statins and improved cancer screening technology.
A new UCLA-led study suggests chronic opioid treatment may raise the risk of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in individuals who are likely to experience severe emotional stress. Researchers found that mice given morphine before and after a traumatic event showed enhanced fear learning, indicating increased PTSD susceptibility.
Researchers at Harvard Medical School have launched a project to develop preclinical drug candidates that selectively block nociceptor activity, offering an alternative to opioid-based medications. The STOP PAIN consortium combines experimental and AI-driven approaches to address the critical public health need for new pain treatments.
Scientists have discovered the binding mechanism of an important pain receptor, which could lead to the development of new active substances. The current study aimed to find alternatives to opioids used today, as they can be addictive and have life-threatening side effects.
West Virginia University researcher Shane Kaski found that combining nalfurafine with morphine reduces pain while minimizing morphine's addictive potential. This could lead to lower doses of morphine and reduced risk of addiction, combating the opioid epidemic.
Researchers found yoga and physical therapy significantly improved sleep quality for 52 weeks after 12-week treatment. Participants with early pain improvements were three times more likely to have better sleep outcomes.
In a randomized clinical trial, adults with moderate to severe migraines took either ubrogepant or a placebo. After two hours, participants reported a significant reduction in pain and associated symptoms. The study provides encouraging results for the treatment of migraine pain.
Researchers at FEFU developed a method to synthesize biologically active derivatives of fascaplysin, a compound found in sea sponges. The new compounds, including 14-bromoreticulatine and 3,10-dibromofascaplysin, show selective effects on cancer cells, particularly Pseudomonas Aeruginosa bacteria and human prostate cancer cells.
Researchers found a 95% increased risk of frailty among those who self-reported regular use of prescription pain and/or sleep medications. Co-use of multiple prescription medications also increased frailty risk, with effects observed for pain-only and sleep-only prescriptions.
Researchers found small, statistically significant benefits on pain and function with opioids, but no impact on quality of life or depression for patients with osteoarthritis. Strong opioids had consistently worse pain relief benefits and a greater risk of adverse events compared to weak opioids.