Recommend Acetaminophen PLUS an NSAID Instead of an Opioid for Acute Pain

November 2014

More patients will be using NON-opioids to manage short-term pain now that hydrocodone combos (Vicodin, etc) are Schedule II.

We've all been taught that opioids are more effective for moderate to severe pain. But that's NOT necessarily true.

Opioids DON'T seem to be more effective than acetaminophen or NSAIDs for acute pain due to headaches, minor trauma, or dental or minor procedures.

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Table of Contents

Vaccines Give Seniors TWO Pneumococcal Vaccines
Acute Pain Recommend Acetaminophen PLUS an NSAID Instead of an Opioid for Acute Pain
COPD Don't Be Surprised if Some Stable COPD Patients Stop Inhaled Steroids
Migraine Avoid Opioids and Fiorinal in Migraine
Oral Health Don't Use Chlorhexidine for Oral Mucositis
Geriatrics Reassess if Dementia Meds Are Needed Since Many Patients DON'T Benefit
Antithrombotics Suggest Eliquis or Xarelto Over Pradaxa for Treating VTE
Antithrombotics Caution About Using Fluoxetine or Fluvoxamine With Warfarin
Antiepileptics Watch for Contraception Interactions with New Antiepileptics
Obesity & Weight Loss Don't Combine Weight Loss Agent Contrave With Opioids
Storage & Disposal Don't Handle Controlled Meds Brought to Collection Receptacles
Practice how to safely care for patients with Ebola in U.S. hospitals
Infectious Diseases Identify Inappropriate Broad-Spectrum Antibiotic Use
Opioids Consider Clonidine for Opioid Withdrawal Symptoms
Neurology & Pain Explain How Exparel Compares to Other Local Anesthetics for Post-Op Pain