What are adjuvants in pain medication?

Adjuvant analgesics (or co-analgesics) are drugs with a primary indication other than pain that have analgesic properties….Adjuvants commonly used to enhance the effects of pain medications include:

  • Antidepressants.
  • Anticonvulsants.
  • Local anesthetics.
  • Corticosteroids.
  • Bisphosphonates.

Which of the following is an example of an analgesic adjuvant?

Commonly used drugs in this class include: baclofen (Lioresal), carisoprodol (Soma), cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril), diazepam (Valium), methocarbamol (Robaxin), orphenadine (Norflex), metaxalone (Skelaxin), and tizanidine (Zanaflex). They all act on the central nervous system (CNS) to produce their depressant effect.

What are different drugs used as analgesic adjuvants?

Analgesic adjuvant

  • Anticonvulsants. carbamazepine, gabapentin, pregabalin.
  • Antidepressants. amitriptyline, duloxetine, venlafaxine.
  • Antihistamines. hydroxyzine, promethazine.
  • Stimulants. caffeine, cocaine, dextroamphetamine, ephedrine.

Why is adjuvant medication prescribed for neuropathic pain?

However, they are also used to treat neuropathic pain because they have a calming effect on pain nerves that are overactive.

Are NSAIDs adjuvants?

The role of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) is examined in the control of cancer pain with a particular focus on their use as adjuvants to opioids in advanced cancer pain. These agents have both a peripheral effect on inflammation and a role in attenuating central pain pathways.

Is paracetamol an adjunct analgesic?

Pain scores decreased in both the groups without significant inter-group differences. Conclusions: Use of 1000 mg i.v. paracetamol decreases the mean hourly drug consumption through epidural route. Thus i.v. paracetamol is a safe and effective adjunct to PCEA in labour analgesia.

Are adjuvants specific?

The word “adjuvant” comes from the Latin word adiuvare, meaning to help or aid. “An immunologic adjuvant is defined as any substance that acts to accelerate, prolong, or enhance antigen-specific immune responses when used in combination with specific vaccine antigens.”

Is gabapentin an adjuvant?

Gabapentin as an adjuvant to opioid analgesia for neuropathic cancer pain.