Expert opinion on the usage of analgesics for the management of pain in Indian settings

Abstract

Objective: This study aims to gather diverse perspectives from experts regarding the utilization of analgesics for pain management within Indian contexts, with a specific emphasis on the prescription patterns of etoricoxib. Methodology: A multi-response questionnaire-based survey, consisting of 17 questions, was employed to solicit expert opinions from pain management specialists across different Indian settings. The collected data encompassed current feedback, clinical observations, and experiences to evaluate the utilization of analgesics. Results: The majority of the participants (86%) preferred using tablets to manage chronic pain. Approximately 50% of respondents identified gastritis and 49% identified gastrointestinal (GI) discomfort as the most commonly reported adverse effects of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Nearly 55% of participants stated that topical treatments are effective for treating acute pain. Additionally, 61% of respondents recommended using diclofenac as the preferred NSAID for topical pain management. Around 87% of the participants recommended using a combination of etoricoxib and thiocolchicoside as NSAIDs and muscle relaxants. According to 79% and 73% of respondents, etoricoxib is the most recommended analgesic for treating low back pain (LBP) and pain associated with osteoarthritis (OA) respectively. The most frequently prescribed etoricoxib dosage is 90 mg, as 74% of the clinicians indicated. The majority of the respondents (64%) suggested a one-month duration of etoricoxib for arthritis patients. Approximately 43% and 42% of participants recognized the favorable impacts of etoricoxib usage, encompassing effective pain alleviation and a decrease in gastric side effects. Conclusion: As per the expert consensus, a combination of etoricoxib and thiocolchicoside is recommended as NSAIDs and muscle relaxants. Experts advocated a one-month course of 90 mg of etoricoxib for pain management Etoricoxib stands out as an efficient pain management medication, especially for LBP and OA, due to its potent analgesic impact and its ability to minimize gastric side effects.