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,

1-Fugu (blow fish) is a fish which contains deadly poison in the organs. Despite the risk, fugu dishes remain as special feasts in Japan. Even the milt is considered as a great delicacy. Fugu is referred to as blow/globe/puffer fish since it blows its body up. The kanji (Chinese characters) used to write fugu indicates “river pig.” In western Japan, fugu is called “fuku,” which means “to blow” or “happiness.”

In shellfish poisoning, the poisonous ingredients are toxins made by algae-like organisms called dinoflagellates, which build up in some types of seafood. There are many different types of shellfish poisoning. The most well known types are paralytic shellfish poisoning, neurotoxic shellfish poisoning, and amnestic shellfish poisoning.

Shellfish poisoning is mostly associated with bivalve mollusks (mussels, clams, oysters, and scallops). These shellfish are filter feeders and can accumulate high levels of toxics including domoic acid, produced by microscopic algae. Cooking doesn’t always inactivate these toxins and some can lead to death in high dosages. Kosher diets anyone?

The leaves of the plant contain poisonous substances such as oxalic acid, which is a nephrotoxic and corrosive acid. The oxalic acid content of the plant may vary, though the typical value is around 0.5%. Its leaves should not be cooked with soda, which increases its poison content

It is believed that another unidentified toxin is present in the leaves. It might be anthraquinone glycoside, also known as senna glycosides. It also makes the consumption of rhubarb leaves harmful.

Ever wonder why Rhubarb recipes mostly contain the stem and not the leaves? The leaves contain higher concentrations of oxalate, which causes poisoning in large doses. The stems contain much less of the compound. Anthraquinone glycosides are also present and may add to its toxicity.

A bitter poisonous glyco-alkaloid, C45H73NO15, derived from potato sprouts. It can occur naturally in the any part of the plant, including the leaves, fruit, and tubers. It is very toxic even in small quantities. Solanine has both fungicidal and pesticidal properties, and it is one of the plant’s natural defenses. Potatoes naturally produce solanine and chaconine, a related glycoalkaloid, as a defense mechanism against insects, disease, and predators. Potato leaves and stems are naturally high in glycoalkaloids.

Most solanine occurs in the skin or just under the skin of potatoes. Peeled potatoes have been found to contain 30-80% less solanine than unpeeled potatoes, and green potatoes should always be peeled if they are to be used at all. Solanine and chaconine are also present in potato shoots.

5-Apricot Stones (Seeds)

Actually, many fruits of the rose family contain cyanogenetic glycosides, which upon ingestion release hydrogen cyanide gas. These include seeds from cherries, apples, plums, almonds, and peaches. Although it would take a mega-dose to do you in, keep this in mind the next time you go on an apricot seed binge. There have been reported deaths in Turkey, a large apricot grower, for this very reason.

Although the fruit itself is safe (more technically a berry), tomato plants contain glycoalkaloids, which are indeed toxic.

Chocolate contains the alkaloid theobromine, which in unusually high doses can be toxic to humans. However, it would take an unholy amount of chocolate to achieve this. But other species react much worse: dogs, parrots, horses, and cats can be killed by ingesting chocolate.

The amount of theobromine found in chocolate is small enough that chocolate can be safely consumed by humans in large quantities, but animals that metabolize theobromine more slowly can easily consume enough chocolate to cause chocolate poisoning. The most common victims of theobromine poisoning are dogs (for which it can be fatal). Cats and especially kittens are yet more sensitive, and many other animals are also susceptible.

8-Tapioca.

Tapioca, if not processed properly, can be toxic. It contains a natural source of cyanide, whose precursor, linamarin, is rendered harmless if properly dried, soaked, and baked.

Our little top hat and spectacle friends can be deadly for those allergic, which isn’t all that uncommon. Watch out for artificially flavored nuts as well; they can be re-flavored with another kind of nut that you might be allergic to.

Most people know that certain types of mushrooms can be deadly. The more common poisonings come from the Death Cap (often confused for the Paddy Straw mushroom), Destroying Angels, and Deadly Webcap. Death Caps alone contain over seven toxins and one bite can lead to a nasty death. Watch out for the Gyomitra, which is often confused for Morrel.