What drug is not given for chronic pain?

• A. Acetaminophen
• B. Ibuprofen
• C. Fentanyl
• D. Morphine

Answer: (C)

Chronic pain management focuses on relieving pain while keeping safety in balance. Non-opioid options like acetaminophen and ibuprofen are commonly used first because they can control many types of chronic pain with relatively low risk. When stronger relief is needed, opioids are considered, with morphine being a typical long-acting option for severe chronic pain in many patients under careful supervision.

Fentanyl, while extremely potent and effective for certain patients, is not used routinely for chronic pain in general. Its high potency raises serious safety concerns: a greater risk of respiratory depression, overdose, dependence, and misuse. It is usually reserved for opioid-tolerant patients—often those with cancer pain or specific breakthrough pain scenarios under strict medical oversight—and it is delivered in forms (like patches) that require careful dosing and monitoring. Because of these risks and the need for close supervision, fentanyl is not given as a standard chronic-pain medication.