CDA | Evidence Driven
CDA | Evidence Driven

IV Acetaminophen for Acute Pain in Emergency Departments

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Project Status:
Completed
Project Line:
Health Technology Review
Project Sub Line:
Rapid Review
Project Number:
RC1508-000

Question

  1. What is the clinical effectiveness of IV acetaminophen use for patients experiencing moderate to severe pain in the ED setting?
  2. What is the cost-effectiveness of IV acetaminophen use for patients experiencing moderate to severe pain in the ED setting?
  3. What are the evidence-based guidelines regarding IV acetaminophen use for patients experiencing moderate to severe pain in the ED setting?

Key Message

For adults with moderate to severe pain in the emergency department (ED), IV acetaminophen may offer similar levels of pain relief and a similar risk of adverse events as oral acetaminophen or IV nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). For adults with moderate to severe pain in the ED, IV acetaminophen may offer a similar or modestly lower level of pain relief, and a lower risk of adverse events, when compared to IV opioids. We did not find any studies on the cost-effectiveness of IV acetaminophen compared to oral acetaminophen, IV NSAIDs, or IV opioids for treating patients with moderate to severe pain in the ED that met our inclusion criteria. One guideline recommends IV NSAIDs for the initial management of moderate to severe pain for patients in the ED. IV acetaminophen is recommended instead of IV opioids alone.

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Last Updated : October 6, 2023