A RATIONAL APPROACH TO THE MANAGEMENT OF ACUTE PAIN STATES .1.

Several classes of drugs can be used in the management of acute pain: acetaminophen, salicylates, miscellaneous mild analgesics, nonsteroida l anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and opioids. In part one of this t wo-part series, agents used to treat mild pain states will be explored . For this condition, acetaminophen and aspirin remain the standards o f comparison. These agents are inexpensive and their adverse effect pr ofiles are well described. For patients unable to take acetaminophen o r aspirin, a variety of NSAIDs are available. This article reviews the advantages and disadvantages of the various agents and their role wit hin the analgesic armamentarium for management of mild, acute pain sta tes. Next month, in part two of this two-art series, the use of opioid s will be explored.