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Revision as of 04:59, 10 February 2004 by Lukobe (talk | contribs)(diff) ← Previous revision | Latest revision (diff) | Newer revision → (diff)Analgesic is a collective term for 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.
NSAIDs such as aspirin, naproxen sodium, and ibuprofen not only relieve pain but also reduce fever and inflammation. Narcotic analgesics and the morphine-like synthetic drugs depress the central nervous system and alter the perception of pain (nociception). They are used to alleviate pain not relieved by the NSAIDs.
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.