ANALGESIC


Meaning of ANALGESIC in English

n.

Drug that relieves pain without blocking nerve impulse conduction or markedly altering sensory function (see nervous system ).

Two classes are defined by the type of pain-relieving action. Opioids (opiates and synthetic narcotic s; see opium ) act on brain receptors to inhibit pain impulses. They may be used for short-or long-term pain relief, usually by prescription, but carry a risk of drug addiction . Nonopioids, used mostly for short-term relief and modest pain, are available without prescription. They include NSAID s (including aspirin and ibuprofen ) and acetaminophen ; all act by inhibiting synthesis of prostaglandin s, molecules involved in the peripheral perception of pain.

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