Dorothy FarrarAnalgesics (Anodyna)
Analgesics, also called painkillers or anodynas, are drugs that have an analgesic effect. Therefore, they are used in medicine to treat pain patients.
What are analgesics?
Analgesics are medicines that have an analgesic effect. Therefore, they are also called painkillers. A rather old-fashioned name for these drugs is Anodyna. Some active ingredients also have an antipyretic effect and are therefore used to treat flu-like infections. Analgesics are basically separated into opioid and non-opioid substances. The latter are available in pharmacies without a prescription. Herbal alternatives of pain management are, for example, medical marijuana. An overdose with painkillers can be life-threatening and should be avoided urgently.
Analgesics are among the most commonly taken medications. Since they are available in lower dosages without a prescription in pharmacies, they are often misused. Other substances that also have an analgesic effect, such as anesthetics or local anesthetics, are distinguished from analgesics due to their mechanism of action.
Effect and medical application
Painkillers are designed to suppress the sensation of pain. Analgesics should work in such a way that important functions of the central nervous system, such as perception, are not influenced despite the reduced or non-existent pain sensation. Almost every human organ has pain-sensitive receptors. In the case of a damaging influence, these are excited via messenger substances and the pain impulse is transmitted to the cerebral cortex.
As soon as the impulse arrives there, pain is felt. Painkillers serve to prevent pain transmission. In addition, they can be effective in different places in the human body. This means that analgesics do not fight the cause of pain, but only the pain itself. The medical use of analgesics is the fight against chronic or acute pain. Basically, painkillers can be separated into opioids and non-opioids.
Opioids are similar substances to opiates and are subject to the Narcotics Act. Non-opioid painkillers are used to treat mild to moderate pain. They reduce the sensitivity of various pain receptors and thus have an analgesic effect. Typically, menstrual, headache and toothache are treated in this way.
Since non-opioid analgesics also have an antipyretic and anti-inflammatory effect, they are also used in the treatment of fever and flu-like infections. Opioid painkillers are used to treat severe pain. This includes the treatment of colic and pain disorders that are due to cancer. In addition, these active ingredients are used for surgical procedures.
Shapes and groups
With regard to their structure, the site of action and the spectrum of action, painkillers can be classified into different groups. Relatively common is a division into so-called opioids and non-opioids. In addition, a distinction is made as to whether the remedy is strong or only weakly effective. Weakly effective opioids include dihydrocodeine (Paracodin®), codeine (Tussoret®), tilidine (Valoron®) and tramadol (Tramal®). Oxycodone (Targin®), hydrocodone (Dicodid®), fentanyl (Durogesic®), pethidine (Dolantin®) and morphine (Sevredol®, MST®, Kapanol®) are among the highly effective substances.
These substances fall under the Narcotics Act, whereas non-opioids do not fall under them. Two important groups of non-opioids are acid analgesics (NSAIDs®) and non-acidic analgesics. NSAIDs have analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic effects. These include ibuprofen (Brufen®), diclofenac (Voltaren®, Ecofenac®) and acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin®). Representatives of non-acidic painkillers are, for example, paracetamol (Panadol®, Dafalgan®) and metamizole (Novalgin®).
Dosage
Painkillers are dosed individually depending on the active ingredient and patient. The smaller and lighter a person, the less active ingredient he is allowed to take. For the respective weight classes, the maximum dosage levels are given in the package leaflets. This dosage should not be exceeded. An overdose of painkillers can be fatal. Painkillers should be taken in consultation with the treated physician. Opioid-effective analgesics must not be abruptly discontinued. The dosage must be gradually reduced. Sudden discontinuation of the medication can cause severe physical withdrawal symptoms.
Plant-based, natural and pharmaceutical alternatives
Pain does not always need to be treated with analgesics. So far, the therapy with palcebos has also recorded good results. A placebo is a drug that contains no active ingredient. Placebos can support the treatment of pain by positively influencing the human psyche. They affect the sensation of pain and processing in the central nervous system and can reduce pain.
A herbal alternative to treat pain is the active ingredient THC, which is contained in the hemp plant. Especially in the case of severe pain sufferers, treatment with medical marijuana is possible. Since it is an illegal substance, the therapy in Germany is so far limited to only a few people. Furthermore, there are some home remedies that can counteract pain. These include the spice curcumin, arnica, frankincense and ginger.
Interactions and side effects
Interactions and side effects of analgesics depend primarily on the active ingredient and the dosage. Possible side effects are discomfort in the gastrointestinal tract , Fatigue and Edema . In Asthmatics , there is a possibility of triggering an attack. Kidney damage can occur if analgesics are taken over a long period of time.
Overdosing on painkillers can be toxic and life-threatening. An overdose is manifested by various symptoms. In the case of mild poisoning , headaches, Vomiting , stool and urinary retention and cramps can occur. In severe cases, cold skin, respiratory depression, severe constriction of the pupils, and a deep coma are observed.
Hello and welcome to my Health Guide & Encyclopedia! My name is Dorothy Farrar, and I'm the founder and main author of this platform.
My passion for health and wellness started at a young age when I became interested in the connection between the food we eat and the way we feel. This fascination led me to study nutrition and dietetics in college, where I learned about the importance of a balanced diet and the impact of various nutrients on the body.