Analgesics

Welcome to Paloma's, Fernando's, and Camila's Wiki! :) Enjoy!







__ What are analgesics exactly? __

 * The word analgesic derives from the Greek terminology "without pain."
 * They are members of a group of drugs that is designed to relieve pain.
 * Also known as: Painkillers
 * They are not used to release inflammation, but only to RELIEVE PAIN.

__ How do analgesics work? __

 * The pain-relief effect of an analgesic is achieved in two ways:
 * **1).** The pain signals going to the brain are blocked by them.
 * **2).** They interfere with the brain's interpretation of the pain signals


 * __** IMPORTANT: **__ Regarding their second manner of provoking pain-relief, the analgesics that interfere with the brain do not produce sensations of anesthesia or loss of consciousness.

media type="youtube" key="9mcuIc5O-DE" width="425" height="350" align="center"

*Before going into details about analgesics, our group will leave you with a youtube video below that might help you understand the mechanism of these drugs in an easier way.*

media type="youtube" key="leGR39bBFo4" height="315" width="560" align="center"

__There are Two Different Types of Analgesics:__

 * 1). Non-narcotic Analgesics **


 * 2). Narcotic Analgesics **

__** Non-Narcotic Analgesics: **__ > > __** Narcotic Analgesics **__
 * Acetaminophen is the most common one => sold over the counter
 * Brand names of this drug are:
 * //Tylenol//
 * //Panadol//
 * //Tylenol Arthritis//
 * Popular painkiller because:
 * Inexpensive
 * Used from mild to agressive pains
 * Acetaminophen is found in more than 600 over the counter drugs.
 * It's found in combination with common cold, sinus and cough medications.
 * Has to be taken with caution because a big dose might damage the liver.
 * **How can it damage the liver?**
 * 1) Acetaminophen changes into metabolites that are normally eliminated by the body
 * 2) By taking a larger dose of the drug, more toxic metabolites are produced than the ones that can be eliminated and hence the body gets contaminated.


 * There are two types of narcotic analgesics:**
 * // Opiates //
 * // Opioids //

**Opiates**
 * Are the alkaloids that are found in Opium


 * Opioids**
 * Are any medication which bind to Opioid receptors in the central nervous system or gastrointestinal tract.
 * There are four kinds of Opioids:
 * Endogenous opioid peptides (produced in the body: endorphins, dynorphins, enkephalins)
 * Opium alkaloids (morphine, codeine, thebaine)
 * Semi-synthetic opioids (heroin, oxycodone, hydrocodone, dihydrocodeine, hydromorphone, oxymorphone, nicomorphine)
 * Fully synthetic opioids (pethidine or Demerol, methadone, fentanyl, propoxyphene, pentazocine, buprenorphine, butorphanol, tramadol, and mo re)
 * Used for strong analgesics in the case of severe or chronic pain (unmeasurable one)
 * When using this narcotic drug doses are increased gradually to generate a tolerance in patients to its side effects.



** *Analgesics are known to cause many side effects. Some are more common and some are less severe.* **

__** Common Side Effects **__
 * Nausea and vomiting
 * Drowsiness (feeling half asleep)
 * Dry mouth
 * Miosis (The constriction of the pupil, opposite to dilatation)
 * Urinary retention (No ability to urinate)
 * Lower Blood Pressure
 * Constipation


 * __ Less Common Side Effects __**
 * Confusion, hallucinations, and delirium
 * Hypothermia
 * Lower or faster heart rates (tachycardia / bradycardia)
 * Raised pressure inside the skull
 * Muscle rigidity
 * Itch
 * Flushing of the body


 * __ Severe Side Effects __**
 * Overdose
 * Respiratory Depression

__**Works Cited**__ "Facts About Analgesics (Painkillers)." About.com Arthritis & Joint Conditions. N.p., n.d. Web. 08 Jan. 2013. HealthHype.com. N.p., 2006. Web. 4 Feb. 2013. . How Do Pain Relievers Work? - George Zidain. YouTube. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Feb. 2013. .  Eustice, Carol. "Facts About Analgesics (Painkillers)." //About Arthritis - Joint DIsease - Rheumatic// DIsease. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Feb 2013. // .// 