Figure 2.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) pain management algorithm. Proceed down the algorithm on the basis of pain control and risk factors. Ibuprofen and naproxen are recommended on the basis of extensive evidence supporting efficacy and safety. For management of chronic/persistent pain, administration of NSAIDs with long half-lives has clear advantages in allowing for once- or twice-a-day dosing (e.g., naproxen, COX-2 inhibitors). In addition, COX-2 inhibitors do not have an antiplatelet effect which is an advantage in the perioperative period. *Only after assessing their specific tolerability in a properly performed provocation test. Combination analgesics=acetaminophen+opioids.