PAINKILLER(ANALGESICS)

Analgesics (also called painkillers, pain medications, pain relievers) are drugs designed to suppress the pain mechanism.

ANALGESICS is any member of group of drugs used to

relieve pain (achieve analgesia)

The word analgesics derives from Greek an- (“without”) and algos (“pain”).

-Analgesic drugs act in various ways on the peripheral and central nervous systems.

-Include paracetamol, the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as the salicylates, and opioid drugs such as morphine and opium.

-There are distinct from anesthetics, - reversibly eliminate sensation.

1)

•Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs

2)

•Corticosteroids

3)

•Opioids

4)

•Neurological Analgesia

5)

•Anesthetic Nerve Blockade

TYPES OF ANALGESICS

Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)Important medicines include ibuprofen (Motrin), naproxen (Aleve) and Aspirin.

Can reduce fever and suppress inflammation.

Work by blocking cyclooxygenase (COX), an enzyme in various tissues that produce the chemical mediators which are the cause for inflammation, related pain, and fever.

Aspirin besides acting as a pain killer also has anti-platelet properties, which helps in the treatment for heart attacks and strokes.

CORTICOSTEROIDS

Not exactly pain killing medicines but they are anti-inflammatory.

But due to their inflammatory processes, they can reduce pain.

For example, a patient with arthritis may be relieved from injections of steroids into the inflamed joint.

OPIOIDS

•The opioid analgesics relieve pain by binding to opioid receptors in the central nervous system.

1)

•are also known as narcotics.

2)

•act as agonists to produce the effect of analgesia.

3)

•give relief for moderate to severe pain.

4)

•used when pain is too severe to be controlled by NSAID analgesics.

5)

•All narcotic analgesics are prescription medications.

6)

Neurological Analgesia

oCertain drugs that are mainly used for neurologic and psychiatric conditions but they can also relieve neuropathic pain, which occurs without any external pain triggers like heat or sharp points.

o  include the antidepressant amitriptyline (Elavil) and the anticonvulsant gabapentin (Neurontin). 

Anesthetic Nerve BlockadePain relief at times is required with a nerve blockade.

An anesthetic drug, like lidocaine, can be injected into a nerve branch so that a certain part of the body becomes desensitized to pain. 

For example, anesthetic injection around the spinal cord produces pain relief in areas in the lower half of the body. 

ANALGESICS SIDE EFFECT

1) NAUSEA AND VOMITTING

2) STOMACH ULSERS

3) CHRONIC HEADACHE

4) Decreased appetite

5) Constipation or diarrhea

6) Abdominal

pain

7) Kidney Damage

8) Aggravation of asthma

9) Dizziness

10 ) SKIN RASH

11) Tinnitus (ringing in the

ears)

12) Heartburn

1)

•The type of analgesic being used.

2)

•The number of analgesics consumed.

3)

•How long the analgesics are being used for.

4)

•The health of the user.

5)

•Existing medical conditions.

6)

•Whether other drugs are also being used.

NEGATIVIE EFFECTS WILL DEPEND UPON :-

WHEN TO USE ? Used for a short period of time.

Should never be used for more than three days without medical supervision.

To treat severe pain.

SEVERAL THINGS TO REMEMBER BEFORE USE ANALGESICS :-

Analgesics should be used strictly as directed. Read the instructions on the label and take the recommended dose. 

Taking more than the recommended dose will not increase the positive effects, and may cause unpleasant side effects such as vomiting, diarrhoea or dizziness.

Analgesics should only be used when in date (the expiry date is on the packet).

Paracetamol becomes toxic after its expiry date.

If the pain persists, visit your doctor.

ANALGESICS WILL NOT :-

Cure whatever is causing your pain.

Prevent a headache.

Boost your energy levels.

DID YOU KNOW ?

HOW DO ANALGESICS

WORK ON PAIN ?

Transmission

The nociceptor sends signals to the brain through several neurons

within the central nervous system.

The signals travel up the spinal cord to the brain through a "neural

freeway" called the spinothalamic tract.

ReceptionA specialized nerve cell called a nociceptor senses the stimulus and the

chemicals released from injured tissues.

Injury

Mechanical injuries, such as pressure, punctures and cuts or chemical (burn) stimuli injure tissues.

Pain suppression or relief (analgesia)

prevent inflammation and block key enzymes and the release of chemicals that stimulate nociceptors.

Pain center reception

Within the brain, a relay station called the thalamus distributes the signals to various parts of the brain;

there is no single pain center.

Areas like the somatosensory cortex process the information and you feel

pain.

10 THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW

o Analgesics are a class of drugs used to relieve pain. They are also referred to as painkillers.

o There are two categories of analgesics: non-narcotics and narcotics.

o Acetaminophen is most effective for mild to moderate pain. It is extremely important to follow the prescribing instructions.

o Patients must be aware of the cumulative effect of acetaminophen since it is found in so many products, including cold, sinus, cough, and allergy medications.

o There are two categories of narcotic analgesics - opiates and opioids.

o Opioids bind to opioid receptors in the central nervous system and gastrointestinal tract.

o Opioids are strong analgesics, typically reserved for severe, chronic pain.

o There are common side effects associated with opioids.

o There are less common side effects associated with opioids.

o Severe side effects and adverse reactions are possible with opioids.

CONCLUSIONS Analgesics are a class drugs used to relieve pain.

While these drugs do not treat whatever is causing the pain, they can provide enough relief to make people more comfortable and to allow them to carry out their daily routines.

They are many types of analgesics such as opioids and etc.

REFERENCES• The Facts of Analgesics (Painkillers) , Analgesics: Drugs Designed To Relieve Pain , Carol Eustice, Retrived August 02, 2012http://arthritis.about.com/od/analgesic/a/factsanalgesics.htm

• Analgesics - 10 Things You Should Know , Analgesic Safety Decreases Unwanted Side Effects , Carol Eustice , Retrieved August 02, 2012http://osteoarthritis.about.com/od/osteoarthritismedications/a/analgesics.htm

• What are Analgesics? , Carol Eustice, Retrieved August 02, 2012http://arthritis.about.com/od/analgesic/g/analgesic.htm

• Analgesics Research & Articles, Analgesics, Retrieved August 02, 2012http://www.bookrags.com/research/analgesics-woc/

• Pharmaceutical Drug Manufacturer, Types of Analgesics , Retrieved August 02, 2012http://www.pharmaceutical-drug-manufacturers.com/articles/types-of-analgesics.html

• Medications , How do analgesics work on pain? , Craig C. Freudenrich and Discovery Fit & Health , Retrieved August 02, 2012http://curiosity.discovery.com/question/how-analgesics-work-on-pain