Question

Can you describe different types of analgesics and how they work to lessen pain we feel?

Answer 1

Drugs which relieve pain is called analgesic.

It can be divided into two groups:

1. OPIOID ANALGESIC:

Examples: Morphine, Codeine, Heroin, Diphenoxylate, etc

Mechanism of action:

acts on opioid receptor (G-protein coupled receptors)

Inhibits adenyl cyclase

promotes opening of K+ channels and inhibits opening of Ca2+ channels

Reduces neuronal excitability and increases K+ conductance

Causes hyperpolarization and shows inhibitory pathway and relieves pain.

2. NON-OPIOID ANALGESIC:

Example: Paracetamol, Ibuprofen, Diclofenac, Indomethacin, Metamizole, etc

Mechanism of action:

They are basically NSAIDs ( Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs).

They inhibit cycloxygenase enzyme which is responsible for production of prostaglandin from arachidonic acid. Therefore, prostaglandin level decreases. So the pain reduces as their analgesic action is based on anti-inflammatory action.