Pharmacological Synergism: A Multimodal Analgesia Approach to Treat Dental Pain

Abstract

Dental pain is usually managed by clinical interventions and pharmacological coadjuvants such as NSAIDs. However, its perception and modulation is mediated by different nociceptive mechanisms and these strategies can be insufficient. The multimodal analgesia refers to the use of 2 or more analgesic drugs that attenuate or blockade different mechanisms of pain, obtaining a greater clinical effect. Within this concept, pharmacological synergism plays a leading role, combining different molecules in lower doses to diminish also side effects. Since there are no standard prescriptions to be use in all the patients, multimodal approaches allow the clinician to make responsible effective combinations, individualizing analgesia as the pathway to success.

Management of Acute Cancer Pain in Asia: An Expert Opinion on the Role of Tramadol/Dexketoprofen Fixed-Dose Combination

“…This pharmacological synergism is achieved through the combination of agents with differing mechanisms of action, for example, peripheral and central analgesia. When combined at lower doses, their mechanisms create an increased analgesic effect with a lower efficacy-to-safety ratio [25,29].…”

“…This pharmacological synergism is achieved through the combination of agents with differing mechanisms of action, for example, peripheral and central analgesia. When combined at lower doses, their mechanisms create an increased analgesic effect with a lower efficacy-to-safety ratio [ 25 , 29 ]. The potentiality to achieve this increased analgesic effect through the combination of a non-opioid analgesic and a weak opioid analgesic is of particular benefit in the Asia Pacific region, where strict regulatory requirements limit access to strong opioid treatment options.…”