title: Pharmacotherapies in Geriatric Chronic Pain Management.
abstract: Pharmacologic management of chronic pain in older adults is one component of the multimodal, interdisciplinary management of this complex condition. In this article, we summarize several of the key barriers to effective pharmacologic management in older adults and review the existing (albeit limited) evidence for its effectiveness and safety, especially in a medically complex population with multimorbidity. This review covers topical formulations, acetaminophen, oral nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs, and adjuvant therapies. The article concludes with a suggested approach to managing chronic pain in the older patient, incorporating goals and expectations for treatment as well as careful monitoring of medication adjustments.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmacy, University of Washington School of Pharmacy, 1959 Northeast Pacific Avenue, Box 357630, Seattle, WA 98195, USA.
authors.forename: Zachary A
authors.initials: ZA
authors.lastname: Marcum
authors.affiliation: Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Pharmacy, 4500 South Lancaster Street, Building 7, Room 215, Dallas, TX, USA.
authors.forename: Nakia A
authors.initials: NA
authors.lastname: Duncan
authors.affiliation: Division of Rheumatic Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, VA North Texas Health Care System, UT Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75390-9169, USA. Electronic address: una.makris@utsouthwestern.edu.
authors.forename: Una E
authors.initials: UE
authors.lastname: Makris
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D059350:Chronic Pain / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004338:Drug Combinations; D006801:Humans; D059408:Pain Management / Q000379:methods*
chemical_list: D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D004338:Drug Combinations
keywords: Adverse drug events; Chronic pain; Medication; Older adults; Polypharmacy