Analgesics
Complete list of drugs used to treat arthritis.
Drugs that reduce pain. These drugs include aspirin, acetaminophen, and ibuprofen.
Synonyms: analgetic, anodyne, anodyne, moderating, pain pill, painkiller
Examples of Analgesics
acetaminophen, acetanilid, acetanilide, acetophenetidin, acetphenetidin,
acetylsalicylic acid, amidopyrine, aminopyrine, Anacin III, aspirin, Bayer, codeine,
colchine, Darvon, Datril, Dilaudid, Empirin, hydromorphone, hydromorphone hydrochloride,
medicament, medication, medicinal drug, medicine, morphia, morphine, Panadol, pentazocine,
phenacetin, Phenaphen, phenazopyridine, phenylacetamide, propoxyphene, propoxyphene
hydrochloride, Pyridium, sodium salicylate, Talwin, Tempra, Tylenol
Purpose of Analgesics
Analgesics are prescribed to relieve pain of all sorts -- headaches, backaches, joint
pain, sore muscles, menstrual cramps, and pain that results from surgery, injury, or
illness. While these drugs do not treat whatever is causing the pain, they can provide
enough relief to make people more comfortable and to allow them to carry out their daily
routines.
Throughout human history, people have sought ways to reduce pain. Until modern times,
only a few effective analgesics existed. But today, a wide range of pain relievers are
available.
Description of Analgesics
Pain is the body's signal that something is wrong. Pain can result from an injury, such
as a broken bone, a burn or a sprain; from overuse of muscles (including muscle tension
due to stress); from infections, such as sinus infections or meningitis; or from natural
events, such as childbirth.
Pain begins at the level of the cells. In response to injury or inflammation, cells
release chemical messengers. These chemical messengers alert other specialized cells
called pain receptors. The pain receptors send signals to the brain. The brain interprets
the signals, and we perceive pain. Analgesics work by either blocking the signals that go
to the brain or by interfering with the brain's interpretation of the signals.
Among the most common analgesics are aspirin, choline salicylate, magnesium salicylate,
and sodium salicylate. Ibuprofen, naproxen sodium, and ketoprofen are all in the general
category known as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). NSAIDs relieve pain and
also reduce inflammation. Another common analgesic, acetaminophen, provides pain relief
but does not reduce inflammation.
Determining the best pain reliever depends, in part, on the type of pain. The two main
categories are acute pain and chronic pain.
Treating acute pain with Analgesics
Acute pain is usually temporary and results from something specific, such as a surgery,
injuries, or infections. A variety of analgesics are used to treat acute pain. These
include:
- Aspirin
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen
- Acetaminophen, such as Tylenol
- Narcotics, such as morphine, codeine, oxycodone, meperidine (Demerol)
- Tricyclic antidepressants such as amitriptyline (Elavil)
- Local anesthetics.
The type of analgesic used to treat acute pain depends on the cause of the pain and how
severe it is. The choice may also change as the patient progresses through the healing
process. For example, a patient who has just had surgery may be given a narcotic analgesic
at first. As healing progresses and the pain becomes less intense, the patient may be
given oral prescription analgesics and may then move on aspirin or acetaminophen.
Treatiing Chronic pain with Analgesics
Chronic pain is any pain that lasts more than three months and may disrupt daily life.
Sometimes chronic pain is just a nagging discomfort, but it can flare up into severe pain.
Narcotic analgesics are used to treat some kinds of serious, chronic pain. But for most
types of chronic pain, a combination of non-narcotic medication and lifestyle changes is
recommended. Aspirin, acetaminophen, NSAIDs, and muscle relaxants all are used to manage
long-lasting pain. As with chronic pain, the best analgesic to use depends on the type and
severity of the pain. The choice may also depend on the potential side effects. For
example, people who drink alcohol regularly should check with their physicians before
using acetaminophen, as high doses can lead to liver damage, especially when combined with
alcohol. People who find that aspirin irritates their stomach may consider taking choline
salicylate, magnesium salicylate, or sodium salicylate. These drugs relieve pain as
effectively as aspirin but are easier on the stomach.
Recommended dosage for Analgesics
The recommended dose depends on the type of analgesic. See entries on specific
analgesics (such as aspirin, acetaminophen, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) for
details.
Precautions of Analgesics
Severe, sudden, or lingering pain can be a sign of a serious medical condition. Seek
medical attention for any pain that:
- Comes on suddenly.
- Is more frequent or more severe than ever before.
- Does not go away, or gets worse.
- Interferes with daily activities.
- Is accompanied by any of the following: fever, stiff neck, weakness, swelling, redness,
nausea, vomiting, numbness, confusion, vision problems, speech problems, poor
coordination.
Overuse of pain relievers can actually make some types of pain worse. To manage
long-term pain, such as recurring headaches, chronic backache, or arthritis pain, many
pain treatment specialists recommend an approach that helps people cope without depending
on large or frequent doses of drugs. Relaxation techniques, biofeedback, massage,
exercise, proper diet, and good sleep habits can all be helpful. A technique called
cognitive therapy can help people readjust their attitudes toward pain and their ways of
dealing with it. Other types of psychological counseling may also help patients and their
families deal with the anxiety and depression that often accompany long-term pain.
Side effects of Analgesics
Side effects are one reason to be careful about frequent or long-term use of pain
relievers. Narcotic analgesics are very effective, but can cause addiction. Aspirin and
ibuprofen can irritate the stomach. Acetaminophen (Tylenol, Panadol) does not produce the
side effects that aspirin ibuprofen do, but high doses (2000 mg/day or more) can cause
liver damage, especially in people who drink alcohol regularly. Some pain relievers
contain caffeine, which enhances their effectiveness. Taking these drugs near bedtime can
interfere with sleep. Anyone who gets edgy or jittery from caffeine should also be careful
about using them during the day.
Interactions
Interactions depend on the specific type of analgesic. See entries on specific
analgesics (such as aspirin, acetaminophen, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) for
details. |
