Pharmacy products >> Analgesic
Analgesic
An analgesic (colloquially known as painkiller) is any member
of the diverse group of drugs used to relieve pain. Analgesic
drugs include the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
such as the salicylates, narcotic drugs such as morphine, and
synthetic drugs with narcotic properties such as tramadol. Other
classes of drugs not normally considered analgesics are used to
treat neuropathic pain syndromes; these include tricyclic antidepressants
and anticonvulsants.
NSAIDs such as aspirin, naproxen, and ibuprofen not
only relieve pain but also reduce fever and inflammation. Narcotic
analgesics such as opiates and opioids largely work through specific
opioid receptors in the central nervous system and alter the perception
of pain (nociception). They are used to alleviate pain not relieved
by the NSAIDs.
Tetrahydrocannabinol and some other cannabinoids,
either from the Cannabis sativa plant or synthetic, have analgesic
properties.
Other analgesic agents include Ketamine (an NMDA receptor
antagonist), Clonidine and other alpha-2 receptor agonists and Mexiletine
and other local anaesthetic analogues.
Analgesics are frequently used in combination, such
as the paracetamol (acetaminophen) and codeine preparations found
in many non-prescription pain relievers. They can also be found
in combination with vasoconstrictor drugs such as pseudoephedrine
for sinus-related preparations, or with antihistamine drugs for
allergy sufferers.
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