Naproxen for Post-Operative Pain

Abstract

Introduction: Post-operative pain is a common type of acute pain that can require therapeutic intervention. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly used to manage post-operative pain and help reduce or eliminate the use of opioids. Current pain management guidelines recommend administration of NSAIDs as first line therapy to all post-operative surgical patients, unless contraindicated, as one method to minimize opioid use.

Methods: This article is based on previously conducted studies and does not contain any studies with human participants or animals performed by the author. Literature for controlled trials involving naproxen in a peri-procedural setting was included. Comprehensive meta-analyses and individual clinical trial reports were summarized.

Results: Naproxen was shown to have significant efficacy in treating pain following different surgical interventions, eliminating, or reducing the use of rescue opioids in many trials. Importantly, naproxen did not demonstrate an increased rate of bleeding or other adverse events in this elevated-risk population.

Conclusion: As a generally safe and effective medication, clinical consideration should be given to naproxen when developing any comprehensive, patient-specific, pain management plan.