Definition: Analgesics are a class of drugs which are used to relieve pain. Unlike NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) and COX-2 inhibitors, which help relieve both pain and inflammation, analgesics only relieve pain. A doctor may prescribe one of the analgesics in addition to one of the NSAIDs, when a patient still needs extra pain relief.
Acetaminophen, the generic name of Tylenol and Excedrin, is the most commonly used analgesic. Acetaminophen is available over-the-counter and also is often used in combination with some prescription narcotic drugs. For those with severe arthritis pain, one of the following analgesics may be prescribed:
- Acetaminophen ( Tylenol, Panadol, Tylenol Arthritis and Excedrin)
- Codeine and Codeine with Acetaminophen (Tylenol #2,3,4)
- Duragesic (Fentanyl Skin Patch)
- Morphine Sulphate (MS Contin)
- Oxycodone (OxyContin)
- Percocet (Oxycodone with Acetaminophen)
- Percodan (Oxycodone with Aspirin)
- Talwin NX (Pentazocine and Naloxone)
- Ultram (Tramadol)
- Ultracet (Tramadol with Acetaminophen)
- Vicodin (Hydrocodone With Acetaminophen)
Pronunciation: an-ul-geez-ik
Also Known As: pain relievers, pain pills, painkillers, pain medications
Common Misspellings: analgesicks, anulgesic, anilgesic
Examples:
My doctor prescribed an analgesic pain killer to help relief my arthritis pain.
