Analgesics drugs are drugs that reduce pain. Analgesics are also known as painkillers.
Please don’t get confused between anesthesia and analgesics. Analgesic drugs only reduce pain, while anesthetic drugs block all your sensations, including pain.
Note: This entire blog content is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice.
Types of analgesics drugs
So, analgesic drugs are of three types based on how they work. So, analgesic drugs are of three types based on how they work. These three types are:
- Acetaminophen
- NSAIDs
- Opioids
Don’t assume that only analgesic drugs relieve pain. There are also some other drugs that are not analgesics but still reduce pain.
Acetaminophen
Acetaminophen is the most widely used analgesic drug and is available over the counter. In many places, acetaminophen is also known as paracetamol. Examples of brand names include Panadol® and Tylenol®.
Acetaminophen is also used in combination drugs. For this condition, you might need a prescription. However, if you only need acetaminophen, you can get it over the counter at a medical store without a prescription. Acetaminophen reduces pain, but it does not reduce inflammation.
OTC medicine brands that contain acetaminophen
- Tylenol®
- NyQuil®/DayQuil®
- Excedrin®
- Alka-Seltzer Plus®
- Mucinex®
- Robitussin®
- Goody’s®
Acetaminophen is a drug that is available only with a prescription
- Vicodin®, Norco®, Lortab® (Hydrocodone)
- Percocet®, Endocet®, Roxicet® (Oxycodone)
- Fioricet®(Butalbital)
- Ultracet®(Tramadol)
NSAIDs
NSAIDs are also known as Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. They reduce pain and are also very effective in treating fever. NSAIDs are available both over-the-counter (OTC) and by prescription, especially those available in combination formulations. Their main side effect is that they can significantly affect the heart.
OTC medicine brands that contain an NSAID
- Advil®
- Aleve®
- Bayer®
- Motrin®
- Excedrin®
- Alka-Seltzer Plus®
- Goody’s®
NSAID is a drug that is available only with a prescription
- Vicoprofen® (Hydrocodone/ibuprofen)
- Combunox® (Oxycodone/ibuprofen)
- Mobic® (Meloxicam)
- Naprosyn® (Naproxen)
- Anaprox® (Naproxen Sodium)
- Celebrex® (Celecoxib)
Opioids
Opioids are a third type of analgesic that reduces pain. They are the most effective, but they should not be taken for a long time without consulting a doctor. Addiction to opioid drugs is common with long-term use, which can lead to significant problems later on. Many cough syrups also contain opioids (codeine). Opioids are also used illegally by young people as a recreational drug.
Examples of common opioid medications
- Codeine
- Fentanyl (Abstral®, Actiq®, Duragesic®, Fentora®)
- Hydrocodone (Hysingla®) or combination medicines (Apadaz®, Co-Gesic®, Lorcet®, Norco®, Reprexain®, Vicodin®, Zydone®)
- Hydromorphone (Dilaudid®)
- Meperidine (Demerol®)
- Methadone (Dolophine®, Methadose®)
- Morphine (Duramorph®, Infumorph®, Kadian®, Mitigo®, MorphaBond ER®, MS Contin®)
- Oxycodone (RoxyBond, Oxaydo®, Oxycontin®, Roxicodone®, Xtampza®) or combination medicines (Percocet®, Percodan®)
- Oxymorphone (Opana®)
Types of Common illegal opioids
- heroin
- nitazenes
- opium
How does analgesia work?
When you experience pain or are injured, an analgesic drug targets a protein called COX2, which releases chemicals called prostaglandins. These chemicals send a signal to your brain, telling you that you are in pain. In this situation, painkillers (analgesics) reduce the secretion of prostaglandins.
How to select when to take which analgesic drug
You can select an analgesic drug based on your symptoms. However, you need to be careful about which type of drug to take, whether to use a single drug or a combination. Patients should avoid over-the-counter drugs for long-term use. Only take medication after consulting a doctor and showing the prescription to the pharmacist.