Commonly used analgesic drugs for nasopharyngeal carcinoma

Commonly used drugs for nasopharyngeal carcinoma pain relief include opioids, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and auxiliary analgesics. The specific choice should be determined according to the patient's pain level and physical condition. Nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients often experience pain due to tumor compression or side effects of treatment. Reasonable use of analgesics can effectively relieve symptoms and improve quality of life.

1. Opioids

Opioids are the first choice for treating moderate to severe pain and are suitable for persistent pain in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Commonly used drugs include morphine, oxycodone, and fentanyl. Morphine is a strong analgesic that can be administered orally or by injection and is suitable for most patients; oxycodone has a longer duration of action and is suitable for patients who need continuous analgesia; fentanyl transdermal patches are suitable for patients who cannot take oral medications. When using opioids, be aware of side effects such as constipation, nausea, and respiratory depression, and adjust the dose under the guidance of a doctor.

2. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are suitable for mild to moderate pain, especially pain caused by inflammation. Commonly used drugs include ibuprofen, diclofenac and celecoxib. Ibuprofen and diclofenac relieve pain and inflammation by inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis, and celecoxib selectively inhibits COX-2 enzyme to reduce gastrointestinal side effects. Long-term use requires attention to the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding and renal damage, and it is recommended to be used in combination with gastric mucosal protective agents.

3. Auxiliary analgesics

Adjuvant analgesics are mainly used for neuropathic pain or when opioids are ineffective. Commonly used drugs include gabapentin, pregabalin, and antidepressants such as amitriptyline. Gabapentin and pregabalin relieve neuropathic pain by regulating neurotransmitters, and amitriptyline works by enhancing the endogenous analgesic system. These drugs need to be started at a low dose and gradually adjusted to an effective dose to reduce side effects such as dizziness and drowsiness.

Pain management for NPC patients needs to be individualized, combining drug and non-drug treatments. In addition to drugs, physical therapy, psychological support, and nutritional conditioning also have a positive effect on relieving pain. Patients should develop a comprehensive pain management plan under the guidance of a doctor, regularly assess the degree of pain and the effect of drugs, and adjust treatment strategies in a timely manner.