Abstract
The use of opioid analgesics has created an opioid addiction epidemic in the United States and around the world. One of the main responsibilities of the emergency department is to address acute pain. In this paper we examine the use of low dose ketamine as a safe substitute for opioid analgesics. Types of pain are identified using prior established taxonomy, followed by discussing types of management and treatments. The opioid epidemic and its societal implications are considered. We also examine the side effects of ketamine and the use of ketamine as an adjunct to analgesics used for pain control. Recommendations and considerations for the use of ketamine are suggested, and a low dose ketamine administration sample hospital policy is reviewed.
Highlights
For many years, opioid analgesics have been the first line of choice for treatment of acute pain in emergency departments around the world [1]
In this paper we examine the use of low dose ketamine as a safe substitute for opioid analgesics
Pain is the most common complaint stated by patients in the emergency department, and the unsuccessful treatment of pain can exacerbate any accompanying diagnosis, it is of the utmost importance for providers to treat pain using a safe and proven alternative to opioid analgesics
Summary
Opioid analgesics have been the first line of choice for treatment of acute pain in emergency departments around the world [1]. It has caused a rise in opioid addiction and increased mortality rate, which has been linked to opioid prescriptions [2]. The United States and many countries have been attempting to address what has become an opioid epidemic [3] [4]. The treatment of acute pain has been an important circumstance around the opioid epidemic, and emergency departments have been the most significantly frequent contact point between the healthcare providers and the public [4]
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