Table 1. Step 1 analgesic agents

Agent Usual single dose (po) Dose interval Maximum daily dose Comments

Aspirin 500-1000 mg q4-6h 4000-6000 mg Inhibits platelet function
Ibuprofen 200-600 mg q4-8h 3200 mg 200 mg equipotent to ASA 650 mg
Ketorolac IM: 60 mg x 1, then 15-30 mg q6h 120 mg Not for long-term use
Naproxen 500 mg initially, then 250-375 mg q6-8h 1250 mg

Adapted with permission from The Medical Letter, 1993 Vol 35, p1.