title: Pharmacologic approaches to geriatric pain management.
abstract: This focused review highlights pharmacologic approaches to geriatric pain management. It is part of the study guide on geriatric rehabilitation in the Self-Directed Physiatric Education Program for practitioners and trainees in physical medicine and rehabilitation. This article specifically focuses on age-specific differences in pain assessment and use of medications for pain management in older adults. The common disorders leading to acute and chronic pain conditions in the older adult are also described. The article contains practical recommendations regarding use of acetaminophen, anti-inflammatories, opioids, antiepileptics, antidepressants, and topical counterirritant drugs for pain management in older adults.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To summarize pharmacologic approaches to geriatric pain management.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Missouri, MO 65212, USA. BurrisJ@health.missouri.edu
authors.forename: Joseph E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Burris
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology; D002908:Chronic Disease; D006801:Humans; D010146:Pain / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D010147:Pain Measurement