The Facts of Analgesics (Painkillers)
What Are Analgesics?
Simply put, analgesics
are a class of drugs used to relieve pain. The
pain
relief induced by analgesics occurs either by blocking pain signals going to
the brain or by interfering with the brain's interpretation of the signals,
without producing anesthesia or loss of consciousness. There are basically two
kinds of analgesics: non-narcotics and narcotics.
It should be noted that some references include
aspirin and other
non-steroidal anti-inflammatory
drugs (NSAIDS) in the class of analgesics, because they have some analgesic
properties. Aspirin and NSAIDS primarily have an anti-inflammatory effect, as
opposed to being solely analgesic.
Non-Narcotic Analgesics
Acetaminophen is the
most commonly used over-the-counter, non-narcotic analgesic. Acetaminophen is a
popular pain-reliever because it is both effective for mild to moderate pain
relief and relatively inexpensive. It must be emphasized though that the safety
of acetaminophen is tied to proper use of the drug (use according to specific
prescribing instructions). If acetaminophen is not used according to the
directions on the label, serious side effects and possible fatal consequences
can occur. For example, taking more than 4000 mg/day or using it longterm can
increase the risk of liver damage. The risk of liver damage with acetaminophen
use is also increased by ingesting alcohol. Make sure you discuss with your
doctor the maximum allowable dose of acetaminophen and any other guidelines for
its use.
Many people do not realize that acetaminophen is found in more than
600 over-the-counter drugs.
It can be found in combination with other active ingredients in many cold,
sinus, and cough medications. The cumulative effect of acetaminophen must be
considered if you are talking multiple drugs which contain acetaminophen.
How can acetaminophen damage the liver? Acetaminophen changes into
metabolites which are eliminated from the body. By taking more than the
recommended maximum daily dose of acetaminophen, more toxic metabolites are
produced than can be eliminated.
Narcotic Analgesics
There are two types of narcotic analgesics: the opiates and the opioids
(derivatives of opiates). Opiates are the alkaloids found in opium (a white
liquid extract of unripe seeds of the poppy plant).
Opioids are any medication which bind to opioid receptors in the central
nervous system or gastointestinal tract.
According to Wikipedia, there are four broad classes of opioids:
- Endogenous opioid peptides (produced in the body: endorphins, dynorphins,
enkephalins)
- Opium alkaloids (morphine, codeine, thebaine)
- Semi-synthetic opioids (heroin, oxycodone, hydrocodone, dihydrocodeine,
hydromorphone, oxymorphone, nicomorphine)
- Fully synthetic opioids (pethidine or Demerol, methadone, fentanyl,
propoxyphene, pentazocine, buprenorphine, butorphanol, tramadol, and more)
Opioids are used in medicine as strong analgesics, for relief of severe or
chronic pain. Interestingly, there is no upper limit for the dosage of
opioids used to achieve
pain relief,
but the dose must be increased gradually to allow for the development of
tolerance to adverse effects (for example, respiratory depression). According to
eMedicine, "Some people with intense pain get such high doses that the same dose
would be fatal if taken by someone who was not suffering from pain."
There have been
debates over the addictive potential of opioids vs. the benefit of their
analgesic properties for treating non-malignant chronic pain, such as
chronic arthritis. Some experts believe opioids can be taken safely for
years with minimal risk of addiction or toxic side effects. The enhanced quality
of life which opioids may provide the patient must be considered.
Side Effects / Adverse Reactions Of Opioids:
Common side effects and adverse reactions:
- nausea
- vomiting
- drowsiness
- dry mouth
- miosis (contraction of the pupil)
- orthostatic hypotension (blood pressure lowers upon sudden standing)
- urinary retention
- constipation and/or
fecal impaction
Less common side effects and adverse reactions:
- confusion
- hallucinations
- delirium
- hives
- itch
- hypothermia
- bradycardia (slow heart rate)
- tachycardia (rapid heart rate)
- raised intracranial pressure
- ureteric or biliary spasm
- muscle rigidity
- flushing
Most severe side effects and adverse reactions:
- respiratory depression
- fatal overdose
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