ANALGESIC AND ANTI-INFLAMMATORY AGENTS
Introduction:
Analgesics are drugs used to relieve pain, while anti-inflammatory agents reduce inflammation and fever. These drugs are widely used in conditions like headache, arthritis, injury, and infections.
Classification of Analgesics:
- Narcotic (opioid) analgesics
- Non-narcotic (non-opioid) analgesics
Narcotic Analgesics:
These act on the central nervous system to relieve severe pain but may cause dependence.
Examples:
- Morphine: Used in severe pain such as cancer and trauma
- Codeine: Used for moderate pain and cough suppression
- Diamorphine: Used in severe pain and cardiac conditions
Narcotic Antagonists:
- Naloxone: Reverses opioid overdose
- Naltrexone: Used in opioid dependence
Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs):
NSAIDs reduce pain, inflammation, and fever by inhibiting cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes and prostaglandin synthesis.
Classification of NSAIDs:
- Non-selective COX inhibitors: Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Diclofenac, Piroxicam
- Preferential COX-2 inhibitors: Nimesulide, Meloxicam
- Selective COX-2 inhibitors: Celecoxib
- Analgesic-antipyretics: Paracetamol
Important NSAIDs:
- Aspirin: Pain relief and antiplatelet action
- Diclofenac: Used in arthritis and inflammation
- Ibuprofen: Common analgesic for fever and pain
- Piroxicam: Used in chronic inflammatory conditions
- Celecoxib: COX-2 selective with less gastric irritation
- Mefenamic acid: Used for menstrual pain
- Paracetamol: Analgesic and antipyretic with minimal anti-inflammatory effect
- Aceclofenac: Used in arthritis and joint pain
