title: [Role of paracetamol in the acute pain management].
abstract: Paracetamol (acetaminophen) has been shown to be an effective analgesic for the treatment of moderate pain where it is chiefly indicated, as shown in placebo-controlled studies in the perioperative setting and other acute pain states. In addition, an opioid-sparing effect has been demonstrated. No clinically relevant adverse effects are usually apparent with recommended doses. Paracetamol is an effective component in 'multimodal analgesia' in combination with morphine, weak opioids and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Although most studies involve the perioperative setting, similar results have been obtained in other acute pain states, such as acute musculoskeletal pain, migraine, etc. In conclusion, paracetamol has a favourable efficacy-tolerability profile and is therefore recommended as a basic, first-line analgesic in acute pain states and as a valuable component in multimodal analgesia.
authors.affiliation: Département de Chirurgie Digestive 435 et Centre Anti-douleur, Département d'Anesthésie, Hôpital Universitaire de Hvidovre, Hvidovre, Danemark. henrik.kehlet@hh.hosp.dk
authors.forename: Henrik
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Kehlet
authors.forename: Mads Utke
authors.initials: MU
authors.lastname: Werner
mesh_terms: D000082:Acetaminophen / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000208:Acute Disease; D018712:Analgesics, Non-Narcotic / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D006801:Humans; D010146:Pain / Q000188:drug therapy*
chemical_list: D018712:Analgesics, Non-Narcotic; D000082:Acetaminophen