Understanding the analgesic functions

1. Analgesics: analgesics or painkillers are drugs that relieve pain (symptoms). There are 3
types of analgesics.

a. Opioids: Opioid drug acts on the brain and spinal cord to reduce pain.
Eg : Buprenorpine,
co-codamol,
codeine,
 co-dydramol,
Diamorphine (heroin),
 Fentanyl,
 Dihydrocodeine,
Tramadol,
Oxycodone,
methadone

b. Non-opioid (paracetamol): acts on the brain and spinal cord to reduce pain.
Eg: Nefopam,
paracetamol

c. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): NSAIDs acts at the site of pain to
prevent the stimulation of nerve endings.

 Eg: aspirin,
diclofenac,
Celecoxib,
Etodolac,
Fenbufen,
Fenoprofen,
ibuprofen
 Indometacine,
 Ketoprofen
Meloxicam,
 mefenamic acid,
naproxen
 Piroxicam.