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Semin intervent Radiol 2010; 27(4): 400-411
DOI: 10.1055/s-0030-1267855
© Thieme Medical Publishers

Pharmacology of Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs and Opioids

Dick Slater1 , Sushama Kunnathil1 , Joseph McBride1 , Rajah Koppala1
  • 1Department of Radiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska
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Publication History

Publication Date:
19 November 2010 (online)

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ABSTRACT

Chronic pain affects up to 50 million Americans every day. Traditional treatment has included acetaminophen, nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), or opioids. The combination of NSAIDs and opioids can provide effective treatment for up to 90% of patients with chronic pain, but the NSAIDs have the potential for significant, even life-threatening side effects. Additionally, the nonselective cyclooxygenase inhibitors with 16,000 deaths per year in the United States might not be any safer. The opioids are great for short-term pain, but may need to be adjusted or changed frequently due to the development of tolerance. Understanding of the mechanism of opioids and NSAIDs has improved greatly over the past decade, but is still incomplete.

KEYWORDS

NSAIDs - opioids - analgesics - mechanisms - pharmacology

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Dick SlaterM.D. 

Department of Radiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center

4200 Emile, Omaha, NE 68198

Email: Dslater@unmc.edu