Therapeutic effects
- Analgesic
- Anti-pyretic
Dose: 500mg – 1g, 4–6 hourly. Max dose 4g in 24 hours
Preparations:
Tablets and caplets: 500mg, 1g
Tablets soluble and dispersible: 500mg, 1g
(note these have high sodium content)
Tablets orodispersible: 250mg
Capsules: 500mg
Caplets: 500mg
Oral solution: 120mg/5mL, 500mg/5ml
Oral suspension: 120mg/5mL, 250mg/5mL, 500mg/ml
(SF options available)
Suppositories: 60mg, 80mg, 120mg, 125mg, 240mg, 250mg, 500mg, 1g
Specialist use:
Injection: (for IV infusion) 10mg/mL; 10mL (100mg) amp, 50mL (500mg) vial, 100mL (1g) vial
Advice: Intravenous paracetamol (Perfalgan): risk of accidental overdose
search www.gov.uk for “Perfalgan”
Therapeutic effects
• Anti-inflammatory
• Anti-pyretic
• Analgesic
Indications: for analgesia in palliative care, including action as adjuvant analgesic.
1. Bone pain
2. Soft tissue pain due to malignant infiltration
3. Arthritis
4. Possible role in early management of neuropathic pain
Choice of NSAID will depend on reducing risk of side effects as much as possible. Select the safest drug at the lowest dose, taking into account availability and local formulary and guidance.
Assess analgesic response after regular use for one week.
Patients considered to be at risk of NSAID induced gastroduodenal ulceration (age over 65 years, past history of peptic ulcer disease, concomitant oral steroids or anticoagulants, serious comorbidity) should receive a gastro-protective drug such as a proton pump inhibitor.
Use with extreme caution in renal failure. Fluid retention and renal function may all be worsened by NSAIDs. There is little evidence to suggest that any particular NSAID is safer than another in respect of renal toxicity.
NSAIDs may be considered for asthmatic patients unless they have a history of sensitivity.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
Celecoxib is the NSAID of choice if the patient is at high risk of GI complications. This needs to be considered alongside the patient’s cardiovascular history.
Adult Dose
Oral: 100mg-200mg BD
Dosage Forms
Capsules: 100mg, 200mg
Additional Information
Celecoxib does not affect platelet function or bleeding time, and it does not reverse the anti-platelet effect of aspirin. The risk of cardiac events and risk of renal impairment is similar for all NSAIDs. (Previous data was felt to overestimate the risks with celecoxib).
Adult Dose
Up to 150mg in 24 hours. Can be given via CSCI but not compatible with other drugs. Injection can cause skin necrosis.
Dosage Forms
Tablet: 25mg, 50mg
Modified Release tablets and capsules: 75mg, 100mg
Dispersible tablets: 50mg
Suppositories: 12.5mg, 25mg, 50mg, 100mg
Injection: 25mg/ml
Gel: For topical use
Additional Information
Low GI Risk | Higher cardiac risk
Ibuprofen has generally been the first line NSAID of choice. However, celecoxib would be considered first line if risk of GI complications is high for the patient.
Adult Dose
Oral: 200mg-400mg TDS
Dosage Forms
Tablet: 200mg, 400mg, 600mg
Capsules: 200mg, 400mg
Caplets: 200mg
Orodispersible tablets: 200mg
MR tablet: 800mg OD
MR capsule: 200mg, 300mg BD
Suspension: 100mg/5ml, 200mg/5ml
Granules: 600mg sachet
Gel for topical use 5% and 10%
Additional Information
Current evidence suggests an increased risk of cardiovascular thrombotic events with NSAIDs. For those at risk consider lowest dose.
Adult Dose
Oral: 250mg-500mg BD
Dosage Forms
Tablet: 250mg, 500mg
Additional Information
It appears to be associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular
thrombotic events.
Parecoxib is an injectable NSAID which can be given subcutaneously.
Seek advice from specialist palliative care.
In patients who are terminally ill the increased risk of renal, cardiovascular and GI toxicity associated with NSAIDs must be weighed against the potential for improved pain control.
For further guidance on the use of NSAIDs (including alternative parenteral agents) consult your local Specialist Palliative Care Team.
Step 1:
- Paracetamol & NSAIDS
Step 2:
- Weak Opioids
Step 3:
- Strong Opioids
- Morphine Preparations
Disclaimer
This Guide is intended for use by healthcare professionals and the expectation is that they will use clinical judgement, medical, and nursing knowledge in applying the general principles and recommendations contained within. They are not meant to replace the many available texts on the subject of palliative care.
Some of the management strategies describe the use of drugs outside their licensed indications. They are, however, established and accepted good practice. Please refer to the current BNF for further guidance.
While WMPCPS takes every care to compile accurate information , we cannot guarantee its correctness and completeness and it is subject to change. We do not accept responsibility for any loss, damage or expense resulting from the use of this information.