Treating chronic pain in the elderly: Aspirin versus opioids
Contemporary Long-Term Care Weekly, May 21, 2009
Aspirin and ibuprofen, which fall under the umbrella of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (Nsaids), are often used to treat chronic pain in the elderly. However, new pain management guidelines issued by the American Geriatrics Society suggest that these commonly used drugs can be dangerous for people 75 and older when taken in high doses, according to The New York Times.
Nsaids can interact negatively with medicines for heart failure and, when taken in high doses, they can cause ulcers, gastrointestinal bleeding, and increased risk of heart attacks and high blood pressure, according to The New York Times. Although opioids can be addictive and side effects include respiratory problems, constipation, nausea, and fatigue, they may be less harmful than high doses of Nsaids used to treat chronic pain in the elderly.
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