ABSTRACT
Mild-to-moderate pain, and especially pain related to bone surgery, is well controlled with these drugs. They can also be used to reduce the opioid requirement following more major surgery. They decrease the level of inflammatory mediators released after tissue injury by blocking prostaglandin synthesis. The limiting of the prostaglandin cascade also reduces platelet adhesiveness. NSAIDs can be given orally, rectally or parenterally. Further details of the mechanisms of action of NSAIDs can be found in Chapter 34. NSAIDs often have very long half-lives and can be given once or twice daily. They do not cause respiratory depression or sedation, and have no effect on gastric emptying, small bowel motility, or haemodynamic stability.
