Naloxone as a Potential Lifesaving Medication: A Primer for Dentists.

Despite garnering considerable attention in recent years, the opioid epidemic in the United States has remained a challenge. Oral healthcare practitioners have been urged to take a leadership role in the face of this epidemic and consider carrying naloxone in dental offices. The US Food and Drug Administration recently deregulated naloxone 4-mg nasal spray to nonprescription status to increase its availability and access. This article, therefore, is intended to serve as a primer for dentists on the history, pharmacology, appropriate use, and administration of this critical, potentially lifesaving medication.

Analgesics in Pregnancy and Lactation: Safe Medication Practices.

Studies have found that the use of prescription drugs during pregnancy is common and has been increasing over time, with some researchers showing that two-thirds of women take prescription medications during pregnancy. Additionally, it is generally accepted that breastfeeding women take significantly more medications per month than pregnant women. Within the context of the recent opioid epidemic and renewed concerns for appropriately addressing patients' pain, along with the publication of recent guidelines and updated safety concerns for certain pain medications such as acetaminophen, some uncertainty may exist regarding the safe analgesic prescribing for pregnant and/or breastfeeding women. The purpose of this article is to provide an organized source of information about analgesic use for the pregnant or breastfeeding dental patient. With data regarding commonly used medications and pregnancy categories established by the US Food and Drug Administration, oral healthcare providers that are prepared with evidence-based information about the safety of medication use during pregnancy and breastfeeding can effectually advise their patients regarding medication therapy, helping to ensure healthy outcomes for both mother and child.

Acetaminophen: Is Too Much of a Good Thing Too Much?

Acetaminophen is a popular, universally used, over-the-counter pain medication contained in more than 600 different products and available in a plethora of dosage forms. Acetaminophen is an important adjunct to manage postoperative dental pain in combination with a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug such as ibuprofen. For the treatment of more severe pain, acetaminophen is often formulated with non-opioid and opioid agents. Because of the accessibility of acetaminophen and its widespread use, dental practitioners need to be cognizant of any significant safety concerns that may be associated with this drug, including acetaminophen toxicity. This article discusses the history of acetaminophen, its pharmacology, metabolism, and toxicity, as well as strategies to help address some of the potential safety issues with this medication, including unintentional overdosing.