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Revision as of 20:10, 2 March 2004 by H-2-O (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.
In the United States in recent years, there has been an wave of new addictions to prescription painkillers such as Oxycontin and Vicodin. The conservation talk show host Rush Limbaugh admitted his addiction and took a month long sabbatical after allegations of his drug abuse were revealed in the media.
The US Government is now taking steps to reverse this epidemic which it is blaming on easy access to prescription drugs over the Internet.