10.5 Analgesic and Musculoskeletal Medications

Analgesics used to treat pain are categorized as nonopioid, opioid, and adjuvant medications. Nonopioid medications include acetaminophen and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). There are several types of opioids, as listed in Table 10.4 in the previous “Applying the Nursing Process to Pain Management” section.

Adjuvant analgesics are defined as drugs with a primary indication other than pain that have analgesic properties in some painful conditions. This group includes numerous drugs in diverse classes such as gabapentin (an anticonvulsant), amitriptyline (a tricyclic antidepressant), or muscle relaxants.^[1] Each of these classes will be discussed in more detail, along with antigout medications and a brief overview of anesthetic medication.

Analgesic and Musculoskeletal Medication Classifications

Let’s take a closer look at different classes of analgesics and musculoskeletal medications with specific administration considerations, therapeutic effects, side effects/adverse effects, and health teaching needed for each class of medications. Keep in mind that analgesic and musculoskeletal medications are available in many different forms, such as oral tablets, oral liquids, injections, inhalation, and transdermal patches. Some products contain more than one medication (for example, oxycodone and acetaminophen) to synergistically enhance pain relief.