Pain medication
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Pain medication
Pain medication (also known as analgesic or painkiller) is a type of drug used to relieve pain. Pronunciation: /peɪn ˌmedɪˈkeɪʃ(ə)n/. The term is derived from the Greek words analgesia (ἀν-, an-, "without" and ἄλγος, álgos, "pain") and medicamentum (Latin, "healing remedy").
Types of Pain Medication
There are several types of pain medications, including:
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) - These include drugs like ibuprofen and naproxen. They work by reducing inflammation and pain in the body.
- Opioids - These are powerful pain relievers that include drugs like morphine, oxycodone, and fentanyl. They work by blocking pain signals to the brain.
- Acetaminophen - Also known as paracetamol, this drug is used to relieve mild to moderate pain and reduce fever.
- Corticosteroids - These are anti-inflammatory drugs that can help relieve pain caused by inflammation.
Side Effects
Like all medications, pain medications can have side effects. These can include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Constipation
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Addiction (particularly with opioids)
See Also
References
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Pain medication
- Wikipedia's article - Pain medication
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