Classification of the Analgesic Drug.
Analgesics are substances that reduce the effect of pain without causing any mental confusion, paralysis, or any other disturbance to the nervous system. That way, your nervous system does not become imbalanced and you actually eliminate the pain. In contrast to anesthesia, analgesics do not remove the sensation of pain as anesthetics do.
Various types of analgesics
The two main categories of analgesics are:
Non-narcotic (non-addictive) analgesics
The skeleton pain that can arise due to arthritis may be relieved with this type of medication. The most commonly prescribed drugs, in this case, are aspirin and paracetamol. To stop the production of prostaglandins by chemical reactions, aspirin inhibits the absorption of a substance known as prostaglandin. As a result, pain is felt in the tissues.
Helps in reducing fever, these drugs also help prevent the coagulation of platelets. In order to prevent heart attacks, aspirin works by preventing blood clotting.
Narcotic analgesics
A prescription analgesic drug relieves pain in a patient and produces sleep at the same time. It is possible for this drug to cause coma, convulsions, and finally death when taken in excessive amounts.
Since they are derived from the opium poppy, narcotic analgesics such as Morphine are also known as opiates. Painkillers commonly used in the treatment of postoperative pain, cardiac pain, and cancer pain are called narcotic analgesics.
Further Classification Of Analgesics Based On Their “Mechanism Of Action.”
Paracetamol (acetaminophen)
NSAIDs
COX-2 inhibitors
Opioids
Alcohol
Medical cannabis
Combinations
Alternative medicine
Adjuvants
Other drugs
Below are a few of them
Paracetamol (acetaminophen): Paracetamol is an analgesic that is also known as acetaminophen. The medication treats pain and fever.
Opioids: These substances have similar effects to opium. Various derivatives of the narcotic analgesic morphine are used.
Alcohol: Alcohol is an organic compound containing a hydroxyl functional group (-OH) such as ethanol. The impacts of using alcohol for pain are diverse, including biological, mental, and social effects.
Side Effects Of Various Analgesics
Euphoria, dysphoria, agitation, seizures, hallucinations.
Lowered blood pressure and heart rate.
Muscular rigidity and contractions.
Nausea and vomiting. Non-allergic itching.
Sexual dysfunction.
Urinary retention.
Sedation.
Dizziness.
Nausea.
Vomiting.
Constipation.
Physical dependence.
Tolerance.
Respiratory depression.
Points to Remember Before Consuming Analgesic Drugs
Non-narcotic drugs such as aspirin are important. However, they should not be taken in excessive amounts.
Even though aspirin is popular, it is supposed to be toxic to the liver. Salicylic acid is formed when the peptide gets hydrolyzed in the stomach, which sometimes causes stomach bleeding. Therefore, overdosing and using it on an empty stomach should be avoided.
It is more soluble and less harmful to take aspirin salts like calcium and sodium.
It is also important to consider the type of pain when selecting an analgesic. Typical analgesics are less effective in treating neuropathic pain, whereas tricyclic antidepressants and anticonvulsants, which are not typically considered analgesics, are usually beneficial.
The World Health Organization (WHO) specifies mild analgesics as the first step in its pain ladder. The choice of analgesic is based partially on severity and interactions with other medications.
Conclusion
It is important to understand the difference between narcotic and non-narcotic drugs, its various side effects, and also the important points to consider before consuming such medicines. For a simple and interesting way to learn about other topics of chemistry, please register at vedantu.com or download our app.
FAQs on What is an Analgesic Drug?
1. What is the effect of paracetamol as an analgesic?
Antipyretics and analgesics are common uses for paracetamol. This medicine reduces fevers and alleviates pain.
2. Is aspirin bad for the kidneys?
Patients with normal kidney function seem not to be at risk of kidney disease by taking aspirin as prescribed or without prescription for pain relief. Taking too many tablets each day (typically more than six or eight) may impair kidney function temporarily and permanently.
3. Is it harmful to take painkillers every day?
We must always pay attention to the type of analgesics, as well as the dosage we should be taking when we use painkillers. The treatment of mild to moderate pain can be achieved with some painkillers that are available without a prescription. Overdosing on medicines can harm your kidneys and even cause death if you exceed the safety limits. Overuse of opioid painkillers has been linked to 3-5 percent of new cases of chronic kidney failure each year, according to the National Kidney Foundation.
4. What is the purpose of banning aspirin?
Aspirin has been linked to Reye's syndrome, a rare and potentially fatal disorder found almost exclusively in children and adolescents, and the UK Medicine Control Agency has recommended that it not be given to children under 16.
5. How are Analgesics and Antipyretics Different?
A simple way to distinguish between analgesics and antipyretics is that analgesics are chemical substances that provide us with pain relief, whereas antipyretics are those chemicals that lower our body temperature.
Analgesics example: Aspirin, ibuprofen, diclofenac sodium, naproxen, and narcotics (morphine, codeine, heroin).
Antipyretics example: aspirin, paracetamol, phenacetin.
Students still having any doubts regarding analgesic drugs can visit Vedantu and can download the free study materials for scoring good marks in exams.
6. What is the Difference Between Analgesics and Antipyretics?
The basic difference between analgesics and antipyretics is that analgesics are those chemical substances that give us relief in pain, whereas antipyretics are those chemical substances that reduce body temperature.
Examples of Analgesics: - Aspirin, ibuprofen, diclofenac sodium, naproxen, narcotics(morphine, codeine, heroin).
Examples of Antipyretics: - Aspirin, paracetamol, phenacetin.
7. What Type of Medications are Used During Labor and Delivery For Giving Relief?
Generally, there are two types of drugs used for pain relief: 1) analgesics and 2) anesthetics. Analgesics reduce the pain without loss of feeling or muscle movement. Anesthetics relieve pain by blocking most feelings, including pain. There are various pain relief medications that can be systemic, regional, or local. Systemic medications affect the entire body, and a small part or area of the body is affected by local medications. If we talk about the regional medication they particularly affect a particular region of the body like the region below the waist.
