PHA 336 - Analgesics for Pain and Fever L4

What is pain?

An unpleasant sensory experience signaling potential tissue damage

What are the two types of pain?

Acute (

What is a key characteristic of pain?

Subjective and varies by patient

What level of pain is appropriate for self-care?

Mild to moderate pain

What are the main pain conditions covered?

Headache; Fever; Musculoskeletal disorders

What are common headache triggers?

Hunger; lack of sleep; stress; caffeine withdrawal; weather; certain foods; alcohol

What are headache risk factors?

Stress; fatigue; smoking; dehydration; infection

What causes tension headaches?

Stress and muscle tension with stimulation of pain receptors

What causes migraines?

CNS changes involving serotonin; nitric oxide; pain pathways

What causes sinus headaches?

Sinus inflammation due to infection or congestion

What are key migraine symptoms?

Throbbing pain; nausea; vomiting; photophobia; phonophobia; aura possible

What are key tension headache symptoms?

Bilateral pressure; dull ache; band-like tightness

What are key sinus headache symptoms?

Facial pressure; congestion; tooth pain; worse with movement or blowing nose

What are exclusions for self-treatment of headache?

Severe pain; sudden onset; >10 days; neurologic symptoms; fever; pregnancy; age <8; liver disease; no migraine diagnosis

What are goals of therapy for headache?

Reduce pain; restore function; prevent relapse; minimize adverse effects

What is treatment for tension/migraine headaches?

Acetaminophen; NSAIDs; salicylates

What is treatment for sinus headaches?

Decongestants + acetaminophen/NSAIDs

What is musculoskeletal pain?

Pain from muscles; bones; joints; connective tissue

What are risk factors for musculoskeletal pain?

Obesity; inactivity; smoking; chronic disease

What are types of musculoskeletal conditions?

Myalgia; tendonitis; bursitis; sprain; strain; osteoarthritis

What are symptoms of musculoskeletal pain?

Aching; stiffness; fatigue; pain with movement; sleep disturbances

What are exclusions for musculoskeletal self-treatment?

Pain >10 days; severe pain >6/10; deformity; fever; pregnancy; <2 years; neurologic symptoms

What are goals of therapy for musculoskeletal pain?

Decrease pain; restore function; prevent reinjury; prevent chronic pain

What does RICE stand for?

Rest; Ice; Compress; Elevate

When is RICE used?

Acute musculoskeletal injuries

What is fever?

Elevated body temperature due to immune response to pyrogens

What are causes of fever?

Infection; inflammation; immune response

What regulates body temperature?

Hypothalamus

What is normal body temperature?

97.5–98.9°F

What are common fever symptoms?

Sweating; chills; headache; weakness; dehydration

What are exclusions for fever self-treatment?

Infants

What is the goal of fever treatment?

Relieve discomfort, not normalize temperature

What are common fever treatments?

Acetaminophen; ibuprofen

What is the MOA of NSAIDs?

Inhibit COX → ↓ prostaglandins → ↓ pain and inflammation

What are common NSAIDs?

Ibuprofen; naproxen

What are common NSAID side effects?

GI upset; dizziness

What are serious NSAID risks?

GI bleeding; renal failure; cardiovascular events

What are key NSAID counseling points?

Take with food; avoid duplicate NSAIDs; monitor for bleeding

What is the MOA of acetaminophen?

Central inhibition of prostaglandins

What is a major risk of acetaminophen?

Hepatotoxicity

What are key acetaminophen counseling points?

Max dose 3–4g/day; avoid alcohol; check combo products

What is aspirin MOA?

Irreversibly inhibits COX → ↓ platelet aggregation

What is a major aspirin risk?

Bleeding and Reye syndrome

Who should avoid aspirin?

Children with viral illness

What are topical analgesics used for?

Local relief of musculoskeletal pain

What are examples of topical agents?

Menthol; capsaicin; lidocaine; diclofenac

What is lidocaine MOA?

Blocks nerve conduction → loss of sensation

What are key lidocaine counseling points?

Do not apply to broken skin; avoid large areas; risk of cardiac toxicity

What are key lifestyle modifications for headaches?

Sleep schedule; stress management; avoid triggers; headache diary

What are key lifestyle modifications for fever?

Fluids; light clothing; cool environment

What are key lifestyle modifications for musculoskeletal pain?

RICE; rest; gradual return to activity

What is acetaminophen pediatric dosing?

10–15 mg/kg/dose q4–6h (max 75 mg/kg/day)

What is ibuprofen pediatric dosing?

5–10 mg/kg/dose q6–8h

How do you calculate tablets needed?

(Dose per day × days supply) ÷ strength per tablet

What is the most appropriate treatment for sinus headache?

Decongestant + analgesic (acetaminophen or NSAID)