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Analgesics are medications that can relieve pain, but do not necessarily reduce inflammation. They can be effective at reducing mild
to severe pain. Analgesics work either by preventing pain signals from being sent to the brain or by preventing the brain from
receiving or interpreting these signals. They typically take effect within 1 hour and can provide relief that lasts between 4 and 6
hours. Analgesics may either be nonprescription (over-the-counter) or prescription medications. One example of a nonprescription
analgesic is Tylenol® (acetaminophen). Nonprescription analgesics are generally well tolerated when taken as listed on the package.
The most common side effects of some prescription analgesics may include nausea and constipation. Some pain medicines available
in both prescription and nonprescription forms (Advil® [ibuprofen], for example) can also reduce inflammation.
DRUGBRAND NAME(S)DOSAGE
Acetaminophen:
Anacin (aspirin-free), Excedrin caplets, Panadol, Tylenol 325 to 1,000 mg
every 4 to 6 hours as needed, no more than 4,000 mg per day
Tylenol Arthritis 1,300 mg every 8 hours as needed, no more than 3,900
mg in 24 hours
Acetaminophen with codeine, Phenaphen with Codeine, Tylenol with Codeine 15
to 60 mg every 4 hours as needed
Hydrocodone with acetaminophen Dolacet, Hydrocet, Lorcet, Lortab, Vicodin
2.5 to 10 mg every 4 to 6 hours as needed
Morphine sulfate Avinza 30 mg per day in a single dose, to start. Doctor
may increase dose as necessary.
Oramorph 10 to 30 mg every 8 to 12 hours as needed
Oxycodone OxyContin 10 mg every 12 hours
Roxicodone, OxyFAST, OxyIR (liquid) 5 mg every 6 hours as needed
Oxycodone with acetaminophen Percocet 5 mg oxycodone every 6 hours as
needed (acetaminophen portion of medication varies, depending on whether
you are taking pills or capsules)
Propoxyphene hydrochloride Darvon, PP-Cap 65 mg every 4 hours as needed,
no more than 390 mg per day
Propoxyphene with acetaminophen Darvocet 50 to 100 mg propoxyphene (325 to
650 mg acetaminophen) every 4 hours as needed, not to exceed 600 mg
propoxyphene per day
Tramadol Ultram 50 to 100 mg every 4 to 6 hours as needed
Tramadol with acetaminophen Ultracet 75 mg tramadol every 4 to 6 hours as
needed for up to 5 days (no more than 300 mg per day)
- Educate Parents and Physicians