Painkillers

Painkillers also known as analgesics, are drugs that provide relief from pain. They are a diverse group of drugs that act in various ways on the nervous system and the rest of the body.

Types of Painkillers

There are three main types of painkillers: non-opioids, opioids, and compound painkillers.

Non-Opioids

Non-opioids include paracetamol and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like aspirin and ibuprofen. They are typically used for mild to moderate pain.

Opioids

Opioids, such as morphine, codeine, and oxycodone, are used for more severe pain. They work by binding to opioid receptors in the brain and other areas of the body, reducing the perception of pain.

Compound Painkillers

Compound painkillers are a combination of a non-opioid and an opioid. An example is co-codamol, which contains paracetamol and codeine.

Side Effects

All painkillers can cause side effects. Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and constipation. Some painkillers can also cause addiction if used for a long time.

See Also

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug
• Opioid
• Paracetamol
• Aspirin
• Ibuprofen
• Morphine
• Codeine
• Oxycodone
• Co-codamol

Painkillers Resources
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