“Can grandmother take opioids for acute pain?”
My grandmother was dealing with acute pain after having knee replacement surgery, and she was prescribed opioids for treatment. She's 70 years old. Is it safe for her to take opioids?
1 Answer
Opioids can be safe if monitored closely. Usually, a small prescription post op with regular f/u visits. Start low and go slow and manage expectations. Start w a non opioid med like acetaminophen and can consider layering small dose of tramadol ( renal adjust if needed) 25 mg every 6-8 hr or oxycodone ( 2.5 mg ) is every 4 hrs as needed. Anticipate side effects like constipation. About 30 % of people get nauseated. Always assess for history of any substance abuse -even managing serious pain can lead to addiction-but short term use is usually not a problem Theresa M. Redling DO, FACP Chief, Geriatric Health Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center Director, Maida Geriatric Institute Assistant Clinical Professor of Medicine Rutgers-New Jersey Medical School
