Pain relief in terminally ill patients.
A systematic approach to identifying the cause of pain and rational use of drug therapy are keys to providing pain relief to cancer patients. Aspirin, acetaminophen and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are effective for mild to moderate pain, and they enhance the effectiveness of weak oral narcotics, such as codeine. For severe pain, morphine is the drug of choice. A variety of adjuvant drugs can be used to enhance the effect of narcotics and to treat specific side effects of the disease or of therapy. For the terminally ill patient, a peaceful death with dignity should always be possible.
Creagan
E T
ET
Mayo Medical School, Rochester, Minnesota.
Wilkinson
J M
JM
D000277:Adjuvants, Pharmaceutic / Q000008:administration & dosage; D000700:Analgesics / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D000701:Analgesics, Opioid / Q000008:administration & dosage; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000008:administration & dosage; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D006801:Humans; D009020:Morphine / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000503:physiopathology*; D010146:Pain / Q000188:drug therapy; D059408:Pain Management
D000277:Adjuvants, Pharmaceutic; D000700:Analgesics; D000701:Analgesics, Opioid; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D009020:Morphine