Pain management is essential. Even when the underlying medical problem causing the discomfort is stable, uncontrolled pain can prevent patients from working productively, enjoying recreation, or taking pleasure in their usual roles in the family and society. Chronic pain may have many causes and perpetuating factors, and therefore, can be much more difficult to manage than acute discomfort. In such cases, patients often require a multidisciplinary approach and customized treatment protocols to meet their specific needs.

Optimal treatment may involve the use of medications that possess pain-relieving properties, including some antidepressants, anticonvulsants, antiarrhythmics, anesthetics, antiviral agents, and NMDA (N-methyl-D-aspartate) antagonists. NMDA- receptor antagonists, such as dextromethorphan and ketamine, can block pain transmission in dorsal horn spinal neurons, reduce nociception, and decrease tolerance to and the need for opioid analgesics. [Anesth Analg 2001 Mar; 92(3): 739-44] By combining various agents that utilize different mechanisms to alter the sensation of pain, physicians have found that smaller concentrations of each medication can be used.

How Marco Drugs & Compounding Can Help with Pain Management

At Marco Drugs & Compounding, we will help you find the solution to pain management that fits your needs. For example, we can mix NSAIDs with muscle relaxants, like meloxicam with methocarbamol to take orally, we can formulate topical and transdermal creams and gels that provide high local concentrations at the site of application (e.g. NSAIDs for joint issues) or in a base that allows for systemic absorption. With such customized medication, patients can avoid side effects that are associated with oral administration. Studies suggest that there are no great restrictions on the type of drug that can be incorporated into a properly compounded transdermal gel. When administered transdermally, medications are not absorbed through the gastrointestinal system, thus avoiding first-pass hepatic metabolism.

We work with patients and practitioners to solve problems by customizing medications that meet the specific needs of each individual. Please contact our compounding pharmacist to discuss the dosage form, strength, and medication or combination of medications that are most appropriate for your situation.