Analgesics, also known as painkillers, are medications that relieve different types of pain. There are two major groups of analgesics: non-opioid analgesics like acetaminophen and NSAIDs that are used for mild to moderate pain, and opioid analgesics like codeine, fentanyl, and oxycodone that work by changing the brain's perception of pain. Analgesics are used to relieve pain and inflammation from various causes like injuries, surgeries, arthritis, and headaches.

2. Analgesics
 Analgesics is also called painkillers, are medications
that relieve different types of pain from headaches
to injuries to arthritis. Anti-inflammatory analgesics
reduce inflammation, and opioid analgesics change
the way the brain perceives pain. Some analgesics
can be bought over the counter, others require a
prescription.

3. What are analgesics used for?
 Analgesics are used to relieve pain and inflammation. For example:
1. After surgery.
2. Due to injury, such as a fractured bone.
3. For acute (sudden, short-term) pain, such as a twisted ankle or headache.
4. For aches and pains like menstrual cramps or muscle soreness.
5. For chronic painful conditions such as arthritis, cancer or back pain.

4. How do these painkillers work?
There are two major groups of analgesics:
1. Non opioid or anti-inflammatory analgesics
 Examples include:
 Acetaminophen and Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such
as ibuprofen and naproxen they are used to treat mild to moderate pain
(from headaches, menstrual periods, toothaches, backaches, osteoarthritis, or
cold/flu aches and pains) and to reduce fever. These drugs provide effective analgesia for
mild to moderate pain and have become an intergral part of nociceptive and neuropathic
pain management. Unfortunately, nonopioid analgesics have a maximum effective dose
ceiling and some significant side effects

5. 1. Opioids.
Analgesic opioids (also called narcotics) work by changing the brain’s perception of pain. An
opioid can be any drug, natural or manmade. Many are similar to morphine, but newer, unrelated
opioids have been created in the laboratory, too. Examples include:
 Codeine.
 Fentanyl.
 Hydrocodone.
 Meperidine.
 Methadone.
 Naloxone or naltrexone.
 Oxycodone.

6. Activation of opioid receptors modulate nociceptive transmission by:
 inhibiting Ca++ influx into the presynaptic terminal. Ca++ is necessary for the release of
neurotransmitters from the presynaptic terminal into the synapse.
 opening K+ channels causing an efflux of K+ which hyperpolarizes the neuron making it
more difficult to depolarize.

7.  Coanalgesic
medications are drugs that have a primary use other than pain relief, but also help improve
analgesia for some painful conditions. Many of these medication provide an "opioid sparing"
effect and have become a mainstay in the treatment of neuropathic pain.

9. Reference: https://www.rnceus.com/ages/types.htm