Hygiene Atlas

Atlas · Plate VIII · Pharmacology and Local Anesthesia · 03

Analgesics

NSAIDs such as ibuprofen block COX enzymes, and aspirin does so permanently in platelets, so its antiplatelet effect lasts 7-10 days. Acetaminophen relieves pain and fever but not inflammation, with a usual adult limit of 4 g a day. Under the ADA 2023 guideline, ibuprofen plus acetaminophen outperforms opioids for most acute dental pain. Naloxone reverses opioid effects such as respiratory depression.

High-yield facts · 7

  1. NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen) inhibit COX enzymes; ibuprofen OTC max is 1,200 mg/day, prescription max 3,200 mg/day.S51
  2. Aspirin irreversibly blocks platelet COX, so its antiplatelet effect lasts the life of the platelet (about 7-10 days).S51
  3. Aspirin is avoided in children with viral illness (Reye syndrome).S51
  4. Acetaminophen is analgesic and antipyretic but not anti-inflammatory; usual adult max is 4 g/day (lower with liver disease or alcohol use).S51
  5. An ibuprofen 400 mg plus acetaminophen 500-1,000 mg combination outperforms opioids for most acute dental pain (ADA 2023 guideline).S51T2
  6. Opioids act on mu receptors; side effects include respiratory depression, constipation, nausea and miosis; naloxone reverses them.S51
  7. NSAIDs can reduce the effect of antihypertensives and raise bleeding risk with anticoagulants.S51

Facts are written in our own words; each tag links to its source. Values marked "sources vary" differ between references, so check the one your program uses.