Analgesic
hideAn analgesic (also known as a painkiller) is any member of the diverse group of drugs used to relieve pain (achieve analgesia). The word analgesic derives from Greek an- ("without") and algos ("pain"). Analgesic drugs act in various ways on the peripheral and central nervous systems; they include paracetamol (acetaminophen), the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as the salicylates, narcotic drugs such as morphine, synthetic drugs with narcotic properties such as tramadol, and various others.
In choosing analgesics, the severity and response to other medication determines the choice of agent; the WHO pain ladder, originally developed in cancer-related pain, is widely applied to find suitable drugs in a stepwise manner. The analgesic choice is also determined by the type of pain: for neuropathic pain, traditional analgesics are less effective, and there is often benefit from classes of drugs that are not normally considered analgesics, such as tricyclic antidepressants and anticonvulsants.
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News tagged with painkillers
Cesarean section: Local anesthetic reduces need for painkillers post-op
Jul 07, 2009 |
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Giving a local anaesthetic during a Caesarean section helps manage pain after the operation and can reduce consumption of painkillers, according to Cochrane Researchers. The researchers recommend local anaesthetics as part ...
FDA panel: Lower maximum daily dose of Tylenol
Medicine & Health / Medications
Jun 30, 2009 |
1.5 / 5 (2) |
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(AP) -- Government experts called for sweeping safety restrictions Tuesday on the most widely used painkiller, including reducing the maximum dose of Tylenol and eliminating prescription drugs such as Vicodin ...
11 people charged in Detroit painkiller scam
Medicine & Health / Medications
Jun 04, 2009 |
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(AP) -- A federal indictment in Detroit says the government unwittingly paid more than $480,000 to a phony health-care business that was a front for acquiring and selling powerful painkillers as far away as Alabama.
Painkiller patch creates addiction
May 17, 2009 |
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Morphine patches are supposed to reduce use of painkillers, and provide more control over their use in chronic pain conditions. But researchers at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) and St. Olavs Hospital ...
FDA reversal OKs morphine painkiller for dying
Medicine & Health / Medications
Apr 09, 2009 |
3.3 / 5 (3) |
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(AP) -- A liquid morphine painkiller given by family caregivers to dying patients can remain on the market, federal regulators have decided after hearing protests over their decision to remove it. The Food and Drug Administration ...
FDA cracks down on unapproved narcotic painkillers
Medicine & Health / Medications
Mar 31, 2009 |
3.8 / 5 (4) |
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(AP) -- The government ordered 14 unapproved narcotic painkillers off the market Tuesday, prescription versions of potent morphine, hydromorphone and oxycodone. The Food and Drug Administration told nine manufacturers to ...
