An Update on Nonopioids: Intravenous or Oral Analgesics for Perioperative Pain Management

Abstract

Despite an appreciation for many unwanted physiologic effects from inadequate postoperative pain relief, moderate to severe postoperative pain remains commonplace. Although treatment options have evolved in recent years, the use of nonopioid analgesics agents can reduce acute pain-associated morbidity and mortality. This review focuses on the importance of effective postoperative nonopioid analgesic agents, such as acetaminophen, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents, gabapentinoid agents, NMDA antagonists, alpha 2 agonists, and steroids, in opioid sparing and enhancing recovery. A careful literature review focusing on these treatment options, potential benefits, and side effects associated with these strategies is emphasized in this review.

Keywords: Acetaminophen; Acute pain; Gabapentin; Ketamine; Multimodal analgesia; NMDA antagonists; Nonsteroidals; Regional anesthesia.