What are the painkillers?
In modern life, painkillers are a common medication used by many people to relieve pain. Whether it’s headaches, joint pain, or post-surgery pain, the rational use of painkillers can effectively improve your quality of life. This article will introduce you to the common types of analgesics, their mechanisms of action and precautions for use in detail, and attach a structured data table to help you quickly understand the relevant information.
1. Classification of common analgesics
Painkillers are mainly divided into the following categories: nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), acetaminophen, opioids, and other auxiliary analgesics. Below is a detailed description of each type of medication:
| category | Representative medicine | Mechanism of action | Applicable symptoms |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) | Ibuprofen, aspirin, naproxen | Inhibits prostaglandin synthesis, reducing inflammation and pain | Arthritis, muscle pain, headaches |
| Acetaminophen | Tylenol, paracetamol | Acts on the central nervous system to inhibit pain signals | Mild to moderate pain, fever |
| Opioids | Morphine, codeine, oxycodone | Binds to central nervous system opioid receptors to block pain perception | Severe pain (such as postoperative, cancer pain) |
| Other auxiliary analgesics | Gabapentin, pregabalin | Regulate nerve signaling | Neuropathic pain (such as diabetic neuropathy) |
2. How to choose appropriate analgesics?
When choosing an analgesic, consider the type and intensity of pain and your individual health:
1.mild to moderate pain: If you have headache, toothache or muscle soreness, NSAIDs or acetaminophen may be preferred. These drugs do not require a prescription, but care should be taken to avoid long-term or excessive use.
2.severe pain: Opioids are often needed, such as post-surgery pain or cancer pain. These drugs require a doctor's prescription and carry the risk of addiction, so they must be used strictly according to the doctor's instructions.
3.chronic pain: For neuropathic pain, auxiliary analgesics (such as gabapentin) or other comprehensive treatment options may be needed.
3. Potential risks and precautions of painkillers
Although pain relievers are effective in relieving pain, their misuse or misuse can pose health risks:
| drug class | Common side effects | Things to note |
|---|---|---|
| NSAIDs | Gastrointestinal discomfort, liver and kidney damage | Avoid taking on an empty stomach, long-term use requires monitoring of kidney function |
| Acetaminophen | Hepatotoxicity | The daily dose should not exceed 4 grams. Drinkers should use with caution. |
| Opioids | Respiratory depression, addiction | Strictly follow your doctor’s advice and avoid using it in combination with other sedative drugs |
4. Recent popular topics related to analgesics
1.Opioid abuse crisis: Recently, public health problems caused by opioid abuse have been reported in many places in the United States, triggering discussions on the regulation of painkillers.
2.Natural Pain Relief Alternatives: The analgesic effects of natural ingredients such as turmeric and capsaicin have attracted attention, but their efficacy and safety still need more research to verify.
3.COVID-19 sequelae and chronic pain: Some people who have recovered from COVID-19 have experienced long-term pain symptoms, and the rational use of painkillers has become a hot topic.
5. Summary
There are many types of painkillers, and proper use is key. For mild pain, you can try over-the-counter medicines, but you need to pay attention to the dosage and side effects; for severe pain, you need to take medicines under the guidance of a doctor. Recent hot topics have also reminded us of the potential for substance abuse and alternative therapies. I hope the structured data in this article can help you understand information about painkillers more clearly.
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