Many treatment options are available for the treatment of postoperative pain while minimizing toxicities. Nausea and vomiting are recognized side effects of opioid analgesics at the dosages required for adequate pain relief. The prevention of opioid-induced nausea is possible with adjunctive therapy. An alternative is to utilize non-opioid therapy to provide effective analgesia without gastrointestinal intolerance. Pharmacists should participate with the patient in developing an analgesic regimen that is effective and nontoxic.
Pharmaceutical care provides positive outcomes for postpartum patients.
Schug SA, Zech D, Grond S. Adverse effects of systemic opioid analgesics. Lussos SA, Bader AM, Thornhill ML, et al. The antiemetic efficacy and safety of prophylactic metoclopramide for elective cesarean delivery during spinal anesthesia. Submitted by Kelly Mahannah, St. Paul's Hospital, Vancouver. Glen Brown is a satellite manager within the department of pharmacy at St. Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia.