Rib Fracture Medication

Updated: Jan 18, 2023
  • Author: Sarah L Melendez, MD; Chief Editor: Trevor John Mills, MD, MPH  more...
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Medication

Medication Summary

Pain control remains the mainstay of treatment, usually with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory or oral narcotic agents.

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Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

Class Summary

These agents are used most commonly for the relief of mild to moderately severe pain. Effects of NSAIDs in the treatment of pain tend to be patient specific, yet ibuprofen is usually the first-line drug of choice for initial therapy. Other options include fenoprofen, flurbiprofen, ketoprofen, indomethacin, and piroxicam.

Ibuprofen (Ibuprin, Advil, Motrin)

First-line drug of choice for treatment of mild to moderately severe pain, if no contraindications. Inhibits inflammatory reactions and pain, probably by decreasing activity of enzyme cyclooxygenase, which, in turn, decreases prostaglandin synthesis.

Ketoprofen (Oruvail, Orudis, Actron)

For relief of mild to moderately severe pain and inflammation.

Administer small dosages initially to patients with lower body weights, older persons, and those with renal or liver disease. Doses higher than 75 mg do not increase therapeutic effects. Administer high doses with caution and observe closely.

Naproxen (Anaprox, Naprelan, Naprosyn)

Used for relief of mild to moderately severe pain. Inhibits inflammatory reactions and pain by decreasing activity of enzyme cyclooxygenase, which decreases prostaglandin synthesis.

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Analgesics

Class Summary

Pain control is essential to quality patient care. It ensures patient comfort, promotes pulmonary toilet, and aids physical therapy regimens. Many analgesics have sedating properties that benefit patients who have sustained fractures.

Acetaminophen (Tylenol, Panadol, Paracetamol)

DOC for pain in patients with documented hypersensitivity to aspirin or NSAIDs, with upper GI disease, or who are taking oral anticoagulants.

Effective in relieving mild to moderate acute pain; however, has no peripheral anti-inflammatory effects. May be preferred in elderly patients because of fewer GI and renal side effects.

Acetaminophen and codeine (Tylenol #2, Tylenol #3, Tylenol #4)

Combines analgesic effects of a centrally acting opium-derived alkaloid (codeine) and a peripherally acting nonopioid analgesic (acetaminophen). Indicated for treatment of mild to moderate pain.

Hydrocodone and acetaminophen (Vicodin)

Drug combination indicated for relief of moderately severe to severe pain.

Oxycodone and acetaminophen (Percocet)

Drug combination indicated for the relief of moderate to severe pain. DOC for aspirin-hypersensitive patients.

Oxycodone and aspirin (Percodan)

Drug combination indicated for relief of moderately severe to severe pain.

Hydrocodone and ibuprofen (Vicoprofen)

Drug combination indicated for the relief of moderate to severe pain.

Morphine

Used to achieve a desired anxiolytic and analgesic effect because easily titrated to desired level of pain control or sedation. Reversed by naloxone.

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