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What Are Analgesics?

By , About.com Guide

Updated April 22, 2013

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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:

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.

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