Ashraf, SAndanappa, ARani, SDJShrivatsam, P.2025-08-132025-08-132025-06Ashraf S, Andanappa A, Rani SDJ, Shrivatsam P.. Multimodal analgesia strategies for optimal postoperative pain relief . International Journal of Clinical Trials. 2025 Jun; 12(2): 169-1752349-32402349-3259https://imsear.searo.who.int/handle/123456789/253741This narrative review assesses the effectiveness of multimodal analgesia protocols (MAPs) in managing postoperative pain and reducing opioid consumption, focusing on their safety, efficacy, and broader applicability in clinical practice. Recent studies highlight that MAPs, which combine pharmacological and non-pharmacological methods, significantly reduce postoperative pain intensity and opioid use compared to traditional opioid-centric approaches, without increasing adverse events such as nausea and respiratory depression. The inclusion of regional anaesthesia, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and nerve blocks has shown to enhance recovery, minimize complications, and improve patient outcomes. Specific combinations of medications like ketamine, acetaminophen, and dexamethasone have proven effective in different surgical settings, underscoring the versatility of MAPs. By leveraging the synergistic effects of various pain relief modalities, MAPs optimize pain control while reducing opioid-related risks, offering a promising strategy for improving recovery outcomes. This review emphasizes the need for broader adoption of MAPs and calls for further research to refine these protocols for long-term advancements in surgical care and patient experiences.Multimodal analgesiaPostoperative painOpioid reductionRegional anaesthesiaNSAIDsEnhanced recoveryPain management protocolsJournal ArticleIndiaBharati Vidyapeeth Deemed University Medical College, Pune, Maharashtra, IndiaDepartment Internal Medicine Mysore Medical College and Research Institute, Mysore, Karnataka, IndiaGandhi Medical College, Secunderabad, Telangana, IndiaGovernment Medical College Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh, India