Analgesics
Analgesics are drugs designed to reduce pain.
Summary |
Definition
Do not confuse analgesic and analgesic. An analgesic is, by definition, weaker than a painkiller. When suffering from small pains such as headaches , an analgesic to reduce pain enough so that with our own endorphins do we feel more. When it comes to migraines (small or large enough, a small analgesic may suffice depending on the intensity and patient), headache (more than the simple headaches), chronic pain, pain due to operation surgery (pulling the stitches during major operations, for example of Cardiothoracic), an analgesic will be administered on prescription.
In recent years Classification Level 1 is for paracetamol (which is an analgesic) and anti-inflammatory drugs such as the aspirin , the ibuprofen (which is an analgesic), the noramidopyrine (or metamizole), etc.. If deemed low or moderate pain by a physician, these medications should be prescribed first. They act primarily by inhibiting cyclooxygenase , an enzyme responsible for a cascade of reactions causing, among other things, pain. The most common side effects are especially stomach, but other serious disorders may occur in overdose. Level 2 is for opioid analgesics "weak" (derived from "light" of opium , so as morphine ) and opioids such as codeine , the dihydrocodeine , the dextropropoxyphene and tramadol. The codeine and dextropropoxyphene are often associated with analgesic level 1, because their modes of action are different and complementary. They say their action is synergistic. This type of substance acts on the brain on specific receptors responsible for the extinction of suffering. The main side effects include constipation , drowsiness , nausea , vomiting or difficulty breathing. This type of compound exhibits a physical dependence. The majority of level 3 on opioid analgesics and opioids: the morphine and its derivatives ( pethidine , hydromorphone , etc.). These drugs have the same characteristics and the same mode of action than previous ones, but are more powerful. They are used in cases of severe pain refractory to analgesics or Level 2. They have the same side effects as pain relievers (and two "painkillers") weak opioids and opiates (in fact they are from the same opium or molecules are reconstituted in their synthesis, with no molecular absorption with the opium) and can cause the same addiction. Besides these purely analgesic treatment and / or analgesics, there are other medications that promote the action of analgesics or acting on the cause of pain. In the light of each case, these compounds may be prescribed, they are called co-analgesics. These are the corticosteroids , and antidepressants , the anxiolytics or neuroleptics , and anticonvulsants and antispasmodics. Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Co-analgesics
See also
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