What is an Analgesic
Analgesics reduce the effect of pain without causing any mental confusion, paralysis or any other disturbances in the nervous system so that you actually get rid of the pain without any imbalance in the nervous system. The analgesic drugs can act in many ways on the peripheral or central nervous system, but they do not eliminate the sensation of pain as in the case of anaesthetics.
Table of Contents
- Types of Analgesics
- Non- narcotic analgesics
- Narcotic analgesics
- Classification of analgesics
- Side effects of analgesics
- FAQs
Types of Analgesics
Analgesics can be broadly classified into two categories:
Non-narcotic (non-addictive) analgesics
This type of drug is generally used for relieving the skeleton pain which can happen due to arthritis. Aspirin and paracetamol are the most common drugs in this case. When you take aspirin, it acts by inhibiting the synthesis of the chemical known as prostaglandins by chemical reactions which causes inflammation in the tissues and as a result the sensation of pain is felt.
These drugs also help in reducing fever and preventing platelet coagulation. The anti-blood-clotting action is the reason why aspirin is used for the prevention of heart attacks.
Narcotic analgesics
These types of analgesic drugs are taken for medical use in prescribed doses, where they act by relieving the pain and producing sleep. If the dose of this analgesic drug increases then it can lead to coma, convulsion and finally result in death.
Morphine is the most common type of narcotic analgesic used nowadays, they are also referred to as opiates since they are obtained from the opium poppy.
Narcotic analgesics or painkillers are mostly used for relieving postoperative pain, cardiac pain and the pain of terminal cancer.
Classification of Analgesics
Analgesics are further classified depending on their mechanism of action. They are:
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Paracetamol (acetaminophen)
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NSAIDs
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COX-2 inhibitors
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Opioids
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Alcohol
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Medical cannabis
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Combinations
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Alternative medicine
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Psychotropic agents
Analgesic Side Effects
Painkillers are the most important drugs that we use, and so we should always be careful in regard to which type of analgesics we are taking and the doses that are prescribed for them. One should consult a doctor before taking these drugs and not become addicted to them as this addiction can be harmful.
For example, many people take sleeping pills if they are suffering from insomnia, as long as the drug is taken according to the doses prescribed by the doctor, it may be helpful but if you cross the safety limits and take in extra doses then it may lead to death.
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Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs
Is it bad to take painkillers everyday?
Painkillers are the most important drugs that we use, and so we should always be careful in regard to which type of analgesics we are taking and the doses that are prescribed for it. Some Painkillers that are available without a prescription have been approved for the treatment of mild to moderate pain. If you cross the safety limits and take in extra doses then it may lead to damage to your Kidney function and even cause death. According to the National Kidney Foundation, 3 -5 percent of new cases of chronic kidney failure each year may be caused by the overuse of these painkillers.
Is Paracetamol an analgesic?
Paracetamol is a well-known antipyretic and analgesic drug. It is used for both reducing fever and relieving pain.
Is aspirin an analgesic?
Aspirin is an example of an analgesic which is used to relieve pains due to various conditions such as headache, toothache, menstrual cramps, or muscle aches. Aspirin is known as a salicylate and a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug.
Is aspirin bad for the kidneys?
Taking aspirin as per doctor’s prescribed or without prescribed for pain relief does not seem to increase the risk of kidney disease in people who have normal kidney function. However, taking doses that are too large (usually more than six or eight tablets a day) may temporarily- and possibly permanently- reduce kidney function.
Why is aspirin banned?
The UK Medicines Control Agency has recommended that children under 16 should not be given aspirin, because of its links with Reye’s syndrome, the rare but potentially fatal disorder found almost exclusively in children and adolescents.
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