Analgesics

Question 1

Management of Dental Pain

Answer 1

• Treat infection
• Analgesics (1 - 7 days, paracetamol, ibuprofen or aspirin adequate opioids are rarelt required) until the causative factors have been brought under control.

N|B: Cause should be treated FIRST - reliance on analgesics is inappropriate

Question 2

Pain relief for acute problems of the oral mucosa

Answer 2

benzydamine mouthwash or spray until the cause has been dealt with

Question 3

Dysmenorrhoea pain treatment

Answer 3

An oral contraceptive prevents the pain.
Paracetamol or a NSAID
+ antiemetic if vomiting

Question 4

Aspirin

Answer 4

Indicated for headache
Transient musculoskeletal pain 
dysmenorrhoea
pyrexia
antiplatelet action

Gastric irritation may be a problem –> take after food

Enteric coated are available but have a slow onset of action therefore unsuitable for OD dosing (prolonged action may be used for night pain)

Question 5

Paracetamol

Answer 5

similar to aspirin
no anti-inflmammatory activity
less GI irritant

-Overdose- may cause hepatic damage (sometimes not apparent for 4 - 6 days)

Question 6

Nefopam

Answer 6

for persistent pain unresponsive to other non-opioid analgesics

cause little or no respiratory depression, but sympathomimetic and antimuscarinic side-effects may be troublesome.

Question 7

NSAIDS

Answer 7

good for pain and inflammation

Question 8

+Caffeine in formulations

Answer 8

a weak stimulant

claimed to enhance the analgesic effect