What Are Analgesics?

An analgesic (also known as a painkiller) is any member of the group of drugs used to relieve pain (achieve analgesia). The word analgesic derives from Greek an- (“without”) and algos (“pain”). Analgesic drugs act in various ways on the peripheral and central nervous systems;. The pain relief induced by analgesics occurs either by blocking pain signals going to the brain or by interfering with the brain’s interpretation of the signals, without producing anesthesia or loss of consciousness. There are basically two kinds of analgesics: non-narcotics and narcotics.

. Analgesia—condition where there is relief of pain without loss of consciousness.

Analgesics—agents which cause analgesia.

Narcosis—a condition of CNS depression: Narcosis, the unconsciousness induced by a narcotic drug

Inflamation– A basic way in which the body reacts to infection, irritation or other injury, the key feature being redness, warmth, swelling and pain.

Anti-Inflammatory drugs--

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, usually abbreviated to NSAIDs or NAIDs, are drugs with analgesic and antipyretic (fever-reducing) effects and which have, in higher doses, anti-inflammatory effects (reducing inflammation)

Classification of the Anti-Inflammatory drugs—

NSAID—non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (Aspirin)

SAID—steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (Corticosteroids)

SAARD—slow acting anti-rheumatic drugs

DMARD—disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (Methotrexate)

Basically Analgesic drugs can be divided in two type –

A- Non-Narcotic

B-Narcotics

Non-Narcotic Analgesics

Acetaminophen is the most commonly used over-the-counter, non-narcotic analgesic. Acetaminophen is a popular pain-reliever because it is both effective for mild to moderate pain relief and relatively inexpensive. It must be emphasized though that the safety of acetaminophen is tied to proper use of the drug (use according to specific prescribing instructions). If acetaminophen is not used according to the directions on the label, serious side effects and possible fatal consequences can occur. For example, taking more than 4000 mg/day or using it longterm can increase the risk of liver damage. The risk of liver damage with acetaminophen use is also increased by ingesting alcohol. Make sure you discuss with your doctor the maximum allowable dose of acetaminophen and any other guidelines for its use.

Many people do not realize that acetaminophen is found in more than 600 over-the-counter drugs. It can be found in combination with other active ingredients in many cold, sinus, and cough medications. The cumulative effect of acetaminophen must be considered if you are talking multiple drugs which contain acetaminophen.

How can acetaminophen damage the liver? Acetaminophen changes into metabolites which are eliminated from the body. By taking more than the recommended maximum daily dose of acetaminophen, more toxic metabolites are produced than can be eliminated.

Narcotic Analgesics

There are two types of narcotic analgesics: the opiates and the opioids (derivatives of opiates). Opiates are the alkaloids found in opium (a white liquid extract of unripe seeds of the poppy plant).

Opioids are any medication which bind to opioid receptors in the central nervous system or gastointestinal tract. According to Wikipedia, there are four broad classes of opioids:

• Endogenous opioid peptides (produced in the body: endorphins, dynorphins, enkephalins)


• Opium alkaloids (morphine, codeine, thebaine)


• Semi-synthetic opioids (heroin, oxycodone, hydrocodone, dihydrocodeine,