Case studies in Pharmacology

Description of acetaminophen (tylenol) drugs

Effective pain reduction for minor pain, however has ceiling effect; safe and effective for minor pain when used as directed; low potential for addiction

Description of NSAIDS (e.g. ibuprofen, naproxen)

effective pain reduction for minor pain but has ceiling effect; adverse side effects include GI irritation, kidney toxicity; low potential for addiction

Description of Opioids (narcotics)

Used to treat major pain, does not have a ceiling effect; development of tolerance; adverse effects include constipation and respiratory depression

What should you do if you witness an opioid overdose?

Administer Naloxone (narcan) and call 911

What is the role of the physical therapist when providing treatment to individuals who are being managed with muscle relaxant medications?

observe for signs and symptoms of addiction, report changes in function, document efficacy of medications or lack of efficacy

Duloxetine and Pregabalin are used to treat which of the following?

Neuropathic pain

What information must you as a physical therapist understand about the effectiveness of using Duloxetine or the use of Pregabalin if you are working with a patient that is being treated with one of these medications?

Dosing of these drugs is challenging and it often takes approximately one month to get relief of pain