Nonopioid Pain Management: Treatment Options for Acute Pain
Recommendations for safe pain management
Prioritizing nonopioid pain relief
For many types of pain, opioids are no longer considered first-line treatment. In fact, many acute pain conditions can be managed most effectively with nonopioid medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs [NSAIDs] and acetaminophen.1 Recommending over-the-counter (OTC) analgesics can prevent exposure to the risks of opioids and reduce the possibility of opioid reliance in the future. There are opportunities to reduce exposure to opioids with equally effective monotherapy and combination therapy OTC medications.2
Oral NSAIDs, combination analgesics (e.g., ibuprofen and acetaminophen), and acetaminophen are effective initial treatment approaches for acute pain. They have well-established safety profiles without the same dependence potential as opioids. Medication selection should always be based on minimizing risks for the specific patient.3
Nonopioid therapies are at least as effective as opioids for many common acute pain conditions, including4:
- Low back pain
- Neck pain
- Pain related to musculoskeletal injuries (e.g., sprains, strains, tendonitis, and bursitis)
- Mild postoperative pain associated with minimal tissue injury (e.g., simple dental extraction)
- Dental pain
- Kidney stone pain
- Headaches including episodic migraine
According to the CDC, clinicians should maximize use of nonopioid pharmacologic (e.g., topical or oral NSAIDs, acetaminophen) and non-pharmacologic (e.g., ice, heat, elevation, rest, immobilization, or exercise) therapies as appropriate for the specific pain condition.4
Pain management tools & resources
Haleon HealthPartner has curated a collection of tools & resources that may be helpful to you and your patients as you consider comprehensive pain management options. Access them now!
Treating different types of pain
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Musculoskeletal pain (non-low-back pain)
![Anatomical illustration of the leg]()
Treating musculoskeletal pain
Impacting one out of every two Americans, musculoskeletal pain is pain or discomfort that stems from the body’s joints, ligaments, muscles, nerves, tendons, and/or structures that support our limbs, neck, and back. The bones and joints in our bodies support our weight as we go about daily activities, and they can develop pain from injury, age, or overuse. This pain can be acute or chronic, sometimes persisting for months or years.
Explore Musculoskeletal Pain 101: Treatments
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Osteoarthritis pain
![Illustration showing osteoarthritis of the knee]()
Treating osteoarthritis (OA) pain
According to the most recent OA treatment guidelines from ACR and OARSI, healthy habits like exercising and losing excess weight are first-line defenses against OA.5,6
ACR and OARSI guidelines favor NSAIDs like Voltaren and Advil as a first-line treatment of OA pain.5,6 See what the guidelines recommend for treatment of OA pain of the knee, hip, and hand.
ACR=American College of Rheumatology.NSAIDs=nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.OARSI=Osteoarthritis Research Society International.
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Dental pain
![Illustration depicting dental pain]()
Treating dental pain
According to the American Dental Association Guidelines:
Nonopioid analgesics are recommended as a first-line therapy treatment vs. opioids for common postoperative dental procedures and toothache pain for adolescents, adults, and older adults.7
NSAIDs alone or NSAIDs in combination with acetaminophen are recommended for 7:
- Postoperative surgical extractions
- Postoperative simple tooth extractions
- Temporary relief of toothache before treatment
- Temporary relief of toothache post treatment
Refresh your knowledge on dental pain management!
For dental pain, consider Advil DUAL ACTION—an alternative to opioids with comparable efficacy and better tolerability without the risk for addiction.8-9
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Migraine pain
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Treating migraines
Treatment for headaches will vary according to what type of headache you’re treating.
Primary headaches are caused by overactiviy of pain-sensitive structures in the head. These include cluster headaches, migraines, and tension headaches.10
Secondary headaches are a symptom of an underlying condition, and may be caused by acute sinusitis, concussion, dehydration, ear infections, or more serious conditions.10,11
Gain insights about the different types of headaches, as well as non-pharmacologic and pharmacologic treatments.
For first-line therapy in the treatment of migraine, Excedrin Migraine is the #1 neurologist-recommended OTC.*
*Among OTC medicines for migraines. IQVIA 2018.
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Haleon OTC pain medications
![Photo of the family of Haleon pain-relief products]()
Customize a treatment plan for patients
An effective approach to pain management ultimately involves a shared decision-making process between the clinician and patient. Treatment also largely depends on patients’ individual needs, coexisting conditions, and patient preference. Working together, you can customize a safe pain management plan for your patients—without the risks of opioid medications.
The Haleon family of OTC pain medications provides a range of products that can offer relief for most acute pain conditions. Get to know the oral and topical pain relief products available to you!
Explore pain resources and medications
Advil
Advil is tough on pain.
Explore why Advil is the right choice to relieve patients' aches and pains.
#ListenToPain Tools & Resources
Pain is never just 1 word. Start the conversation for better patient outcomes. See the ListenToPain tools and resources available—only from Haleon.
Free Samples
Get free samples of clinically proven, safe pain relief products for your patients.
