Medication Summary

The goals of therapy are to reduce pain and inflammation.^[26]

Class Summary

These agents are used most commonly for the relief of mild to moderately severe pain. Although effects of NSAIDs in the treatment of pain tend to be patient specific, ibuprofen usually is the DOC for initial therapy. Other options include flurbiprofen, ketoprofen, and naproxen.

Ibuprofen (Ibuprin, Advil, Motrin)

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Usually DOC for treatment of mild to moderately severe pain if no contraindications.

Ketoprofen (Oruvail, Orudis, Actron)

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Used for relief of mild to moderately severe pain and inflammation. Administer small dosages initially to patients with small body size, to elderly persons, and to those with renal or liver disease. Doses higher than 75 mg do not increase therapeutic effects. Administer high doses with caution, and closely observe patient for response.

Flurbiprofen (Ansaid)

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May inhibit enzyme cyclooxygenase, which, in turn, inhibits prostaglandin biosynthesis. These effects may be mechanism of its analgesic, antipyretic, and anti-inflammatory activities.

Naproxen (Anaprox, Naprelan, Naprosyn)

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

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Author

Jere F Baldwin, MD Medical Director, Department of Emergency Medicine, Mercy Hospital Port Huron

Jere F Baldwin, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Family Physicians, American College of Emergency Physicians, American Medical Association, Michigan State Medical Society, Society for Academic Emergency Medicine

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Coauthor(s)

Jeffrey Horwitz, DO Director, Assistant Clinical Professor, Department of Emergency Medicine, North Shore University Hospital at Forest Hills

Jeffrey Horwitz, DO is a member of the following medical societies: Society for Academic Emergency Medicine

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Specialty Editor Board

Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD Adjunct Assistant Professor, University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Pharmacy; Editor-in-Chief, Medscape Drug Reference

Disclosure: Received salary from Medscape for employment. for: Medscape.

David B Levy, DO, FAAEM Senior Consultant in Emergency Medicine, Waikato District Health Board, New Zealand; Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine, Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine

David B Levy, DO, FAAEM is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Emergency Medicine, Fellowship of the Australasian College for Emergency Medicine, American Medical Informatics Association, Society for Academic Emergency Medicine

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Chief Editor

Trevor John Mills, MD, MPH Chief of Emergency Medicine, Veterans Affairs Northern California Health Care System; Professor of Emergency Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine, University of California, Davis, School of Medicine

Trevor John Mills, MD, MPH is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Emergency Medicine, American College of Emergency Physicians

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Additional Contributors

Mark S Slabinski, MD, FACEP, FAAEM Vice President, USACS Central

Mark S Slabinski, MD, FACEP, FAAEM is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha, American Academy of Emergency Medicine, American College of Emergency Physicians, American Medical Association, Ohio State Medical Association

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Sections Lumbar (Intervertebral) Disc Disorder Management in the ED
Overview
Presentation
DDx
Workup
Treatment
Guidelines
Medication
References

Lumbar (Intervertebral) Disc Disorder Management in the ED Medication

Medication Summary

Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)