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The Use of Non‐prescription Analgesics in an Older Population
Author(s) -
Cupit Gary C.
Publication year - 1982
Publication title -
journal of the american geriatrics society
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.992
H-Index - 232
eISSN - 1532-5415
pISSN - 0002-8614
DOI - 10.1111/j.1532-5415.1982.tb01360.x
Subject(s) - medicine , acetaminophen , aspirin , medical prescription , analgesic , intensive care medicine , population , geriatrics , anesthesia , pharmacology , psychiatry , environmental health
Older patients are frequent users of aspirin and acetaminophen, either recommended by physicians or self‐prescribed, for the aches and pains that accompany aging. These mild analgesics provide effective pain relief when used appropriately. Aspirin and acetaminophen are equianalgesic on a milligram‐for‐milligram basis for most indications. Both are safe for most patients. Aspirin use may be associated with salicylate intoxication or salicylate interactions with other agents. There have been reports of an association of hepatotoxicity with acute massive overdosages of acetaminophen.