Pain Management Pharmacology – Key Vocabulary

These flashcards cover essential vocabulary related to acetaminophen use, opioid therapy, side-effect management, and multimodal pain-control strategies presented in the lecture notes.

Acetaminophen

A non-opioid analgesic and antipyretic used chiefly for mild pain; safe when dosed correctly but hepatotoxic in overdose.

Maximum Daily Dose of Acetaminophen

4000 mg (4 g) in 24 hours; exceeding this limit greatly increases the risk of liver damage.

Hepatotoxicity

Toxic injury to the liver; a major danger of excessive acetaminophen intake or chronic alcohol use.

Hydromorphone

A potent IV opioid analgesic prescribed for severe, acute pain such as post-trauma or post-surgical pain.

Morphine

Prototype opioid analgesic available in oral and injectable forms; can cause pruritus and constipation and must be timed for peak effect during activity.

Pruritus (Opioid-Induced)

Intense itching resulting from histamine release after opioid administration; often managed with adjunct medications.

Laxative Prophylaxis

Routine addition of a stool softener or stimulant laxative to opioid therapy to prevent opioid-induced constipation.

NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs)

Analgesic, antipyretic, and anti-inflammatory agents that can be co-administered with opioids to enhance pain relief and reduce opioid requirements.

Coadministration (Opioid + NSAID)

A multimodal analgesic approach combining two drug classes to achieve additive pain control and fewer opioid side effects.

Premedication Timing

Scheduling an analgesic dose so that its peak plasma concentration coincides with anticipated painful activity, such as physical therapy.

Multimodal Analgesia

Pain-management strategy using different classes of medications (e.g., opioid, NSAID, acetaminophen) for synergistic effect and minimized side effects.

Injectable vs. Oral Opioids

Injectable forms have faster onset but shorter duration; oral forms are convenient for ongoing pain yet require careful timing for optimal effect.