Discharge teaching for a patient receiving glucocorticoids would include the use of which medication for pain management?

• A. Aspirin
• B. Acetaminophen
• C. Ibuprofen
• D. Naprosyn (Naproxen)

Answer: (B)

When someone is taking glucocorticoids, the risk of stomach ulcers and GI bleeding increases if NSAIDs are used for pain. Glucocorticoids can irritate the gastric lining, and NSAIDs further compromise the stomach’s protective lining by inhibiting prostaglandin production. Acetaminophen provides analgesia without that GI risk, so it’s the safer choice for pain management in this context. The NSAIDs listed (aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen) would raise the chance of GI bleeding and ulcers and are less appropriate unless specifically advised. As a safety note, keep an eye on acetaminophen dosing to avoid liver toxicity, especially if other medications also contain acetaminophen.