When deciding whether to prescribe opioids for acute pain in both opioid-tolerant and opioid-naïve patients, clinicians should first consider possible alternatives. Non-opioid therapies such as NSAIDs or acetaminophen are equivalent to opioids for mild to moderate musculoskeletal injuries like sprains or strains. NSAIDs are superior to opioids for dental pain and kidney stones. Non-pharmacologic options including ice or heat, elevation, immobilization, and physical therapy are also effective tools. Disease-specific therapies should be used when available (e.g., triptans, CGRP inhibitors, and ergotamines for acute migraine). Opioids, including tramadol, are best reserved for patients with severe postoperative pain, major injury, or who have contraindications to non-opioid options.

If opioids are indicated, the lowest effective dose should be utilized on an as-needed basis (as opposed to scheduling). Short acting, immediate release formulations are preferred over long-acting agents. The quantity prescribed should be for the shortest amount of time severe pain is expected. Patients needing a longer treatment duration should be reevaluated at least every two weeks. If pain is ongoing, consider additional untreated physical and psychosocial etiologies, and refer to the opioid guideline summary for subacute/chronic pain management. Non-opioid therapies should be used in conjunction with opioids for acute pain whenever possible. Setting appropriate expectations is critical for successful treatment. The goal should be to reduce pain to a liveable, manageable level; total pain elimination is not likely without a considerable increase in dangerous side effects. Concrete functional goals such as being able to walk or sleep may be helpful to guide dose adjustments and eventual discontinuation. 

There is not currently a reliable, validated way to determine which patients are at highest risk of experiencing serious harm, or who is likely to receive the most benefit. All patients should be counseled on potential risks and benefits before starting therapy, including the risk of physical dependence or opioid use disorder (i.e., addiction) for more extended courses. Other more common side effects include constipation, nausea, confusion, and somnolence. A taper is indicated for patients requiring around-the-clock use for more than a few days. 

Although there are no strict contraindications to opioid use in acute pain management, factors such as a history of substance abuse, use of other sedating medications, or severe sleep disordered breathing can increase the risk of respiratory suppression. Every patient prescribed opioid medications should be offered naloxone, a potentially life-saving reversal agent, in case of overdose. Other points of counseling include safe medication storage and disposal. 

Full Guidelines

Read the full guidelines on prescribing opioids for pain from the CDC: CDC Clinical Practice Guideline for Prescribing Opioids for Pain

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