II. ANALGESICS

ACTION: Act upon several (known and some unknown) processes to alleviate pain. Some known processes include the reduction of inflammation and action upon the transmission of pain.

USE: Follow your physician's directions in using these medications. Many analgesics can be upsetting to the stomach. Take analgesics with food if taking them as directed upsets the stomach.

POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS AND PRECAUTIONS: Common side effects include dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, and constipation. If these symptoms continue or become bothersome, contact your doctor. If you have a severe reaction to any of these medications, contact your physician immediately. A severe reaction can include a serious rash, hives, difficulty in breathing, fever, dizziness, tightness in the chest, or swelling of the eyelids, face, or lips. CAUTION: THESE MEDICATIONS MAY CAUSE DROWSINESS. Use of these medications alone, or with alcohol or other medications may reduce your ability to use machinery or drive a motor vehicle. Some of these medications, specifically the narcotics, can be addictive. If you experience any other side effects not listed above, contact your doctor.

A. Narcotics

Codeine (various manufacturers)

Hydromorphone (Dilaudid)

Methadone (Dolophine)

Morphine Sulfate (MS Contin)

Propoxyphene (Darvon)

B. Acetaminophen (Tylenol, other various manufacturers)

C. Aspirin (Bayer, Ecotrin, Empirin)

D. Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDS)

Diclofenac Sodium (Voltaren)

Etodolac (Lodine, Lodine XL)

Flurbiprofen (Ansaid)

Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, Nuprin, Rufen)

Indomethacin (Indocin, Indocin SR)

Ketoprofen (Orudis, Oruvial)

Meclofenamate (Meclomen)

Nabumetone (Relafen)

Naproxen (Anaprox, Anaprox DS, Naprosyn)

Piroxicam (Feldene)

Sulindac (Clinoril)

Tolmetin (Tolectin, Tolectin DS)