Table 1 Postoperative analgesia pathways

Conventional, opioid-based analgesia pathway

Standardized Analgesia Order

Acetaminophen (APAP) 650 mg PO every 6-h as needed for mild pain

Opioids Options (ordered at the discretion of the provider)

Hydrocodone-APAP 5 mg/325 mg PO every 4-h as needed for moderate pain^a

Morphine IV every 1-h as needed for pain

–1, 2 or 3 mg recommended for patients > 70 years old for specified pain severity

–2, 4 or 6 mg recommended for patients < 70 years old for specified pain severity

Oxycodone-APAP 5 mg/325 mg PO every 4-h as needed for specified pain severity

Non-opioid Options (ordered at 'the discretion of the provider)

Ketorolac 15 mg IV every 6-h for 3 doses

Lidocaine topical film 1 or 2 patches every 24-h

Pregabalin 75 mg capsule PO every 12-h for 4 days^b

Multimodal analgesia pathway

Standardized Analgesia Orders (unless contraindicated)

APAP 650 mg PO every 6-h for 3 days

Lidocaine topical film 2 patches every 24-h

Pregabalin 75 mg capsule PO every 12-h for 4 days^b

Hydromorphone 0.5 or 1 mg IV every 6-h as needed for specified pain severity

Oxycodone 5 mg or 10 mg PO every 4-h as needed for specified pain severity