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Pharmacological Treatment of Pelvic Pain

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Genitourinary Pain And Inflammation

Part of the book series: Current Clinical Urology ((CCU))

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Summary

The pharmacologic treatment of chronic pelvic pain requires knowledge about several classes of drugs. The standard approach is to use non-opioid drugs such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or acetaminophen initially with or without non-opioid adjuvants (or adjuncts). Adjuvant therapy may include anticonvulsants, antidepressants, or a combination of both. Opioids are appropriate, safe, and effective in the treatment of non-cancer chronic pain. When initiating opioid therapy, patients should achieve a stable opioid dose with in a few months and thereafter be monitored regularly for pain relief, functionality, and side effects. Physicians who prescribe opioids should have an understanding of addiction, pseudoaddiction, tolerance, and dependence.

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Authors
  1. Howard T. Sharp MD
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Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Glickman Urologic and Kidney Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA

    Jeannette M. Potts MD

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© 2008 Humana Press

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Sharp, H.T. (2008). Pharmacological Treatment of Pelvic Pain. In: Potts, J.M. (eds) Genitourinary Pain And Inflammation. Current Clinical Urology. Humana Press. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-60327-126-4_21

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-60327-126-4_21

  • Publisher Name: Humana Press

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-58829-816-4

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-60327-126-4

  • eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)

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