Aggressive pharmacologic treatment of pain.

In this article, the author outlines the pharmacology of nociception and discusses the two major classes of drugs used for pain control: opioids and nonopioid analgesics. In order to provide satisfactory pain relief and prevent the possible sequelae of untreated pain, physicians must possess both knowledge and expertise in the use of opioid and nonopioid analgesics. Opioid analgesics have been underused in the management of pain. Opioids have a higher analgesic potency and wider range of indications than any of the other currently available medications for pain control. The second class of drugs, the nonopioid analgesics and adjuvants, has recently expanded to include new and potentially beneficial medications. This article furthers the understanding on how to use analgesics for a prompt, safe, and effective pharmacologic treatment of acute and chronic pain.