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Analgesic information notes for students, Lecture notes of Biology

American University of Hawaii, Punjab CampusBiology

It consists of all concepts and knowledge related to analgesic information notes for students which can help you and you can achieve your knowledge from this notes

Typology: Lecture notes

2025/2026

Available from 06/24/2026

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akhoonzada-kaleem-ullah-jan 🇵🇰

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Analgesics - Painkillers*
*Analgesic* = “An-” = without, “Algesia” = pain.
Meaning: *Medicine that reduces or removes pain* without causing loss of
consciousness.
Painkillers do not heal the injury. They only block or reduce the feeling of pain so
the brain does not sense it.
*I. How Pain Occurs in the Body - Simple Science*
1. Injury happens → cells get damaged
2. Damaged cells release a chemical called *Prostaglandins*
3. Prostaglandins send pain signals through nerves to the brain
4. Brain interprets the signal as “pain”
*How analgesics work*: Either they stop prostaglandin production, or they block
pain signals from reaching the brain.
*II. Types of Analgesics - 3 Main Categories*
**Type****How it Works****Examples****Used For****Important Note**
**1. Non-Opioid Analgesics**Reduce prostaglandin production. Also reduce
feverParacetamol/Acetaminophen, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, DiclofenacHeadache,
toothache, period pain, mild pain, feverAvailable OTC. Overdose can damage
liver/kidney
**2. Opioid Analgesics**Bind to pain receptors in brain. Block pain signals
completelyMorphine, Codeine, TramadolSevere pain after surgery, fractures,
cancer painPrescription only. Can cause addiction/dependence
**3. Adjuvant Analgesics**Not painkillers originally, but help with nerve pain
Gabapentin, AmitriptylineDiabetic nerve pain, sciatica, shinglesOnly given by
doctors
*OTC* = Over The Counter = can be bought without prescription
*III. Common Non-Opioid Analgesics - Most Used at Home*
*1. Paracetamol / Acetaminophen - Panadol*
- *Action*: Acts on brain’s pain and temperature center
- *Benefit*: Best for mild pain, headache, fever. Does not irritate stomach
- *Risk*: Overdose = serious liver damage. More than 8 tablets in 24 hours is
dangerous
*2. NSAIDs = Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs*
Examples: Aspirin, Ibuprofen/Brufen, Diclofenac/Voltaren, Mefenamic acid/
Ponstan
- *Action*: Reduce prostaglandins + reduce inflammation/swelling
- *Benefit*: Best when pain + swelling both present - sprains, joint pain,
pf3

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Analgesics - Painkillers*

Analgesic = “An-” = without, “Algesia” = pain. Meaning: Medicine that reduces or removes pain without causing loss of consciousness.

Painkillers do not heal the injury. They only block or reduce the feeling of pain so the brain does not sense it.

I. How Pain Occurs in the Body - Simple Science

  1. Injury happens → cells get damaged
  2. Damaged cells release a chemical called Prostaglandins
  3. Prostaglandins send pain signals through nerves to the brain
  4. Brain interprets the signal as “pain”

How analgesics work: Either they stop prostaglandin production, or they block pain signals from reaching the brain.

II. Types of Analgesics - 3 Main Categories Type How it Works Examples Used For Important Note 1. Non-Opioid Analgesics Reduce prostaglandin production. Also reduce fever Paracetamol/Acetaminophen, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Diclofenac Headache, toothache, period pain, mild pain, fever Available OTC. Overdose can damage liver/kidney 2. Opioid Analgesics Bind to pain receptors in brain. Block pain signals completely Morphine, Codeine, Tramadol Severe pain after surgery, fractures, cancer pain Prescription only. Can cause addiction/dependence 3. Adjuvant Analgesics Not painkillers originally, but help with nerve pain Gabapentin, Amitriptyline Diabetic nerve pain, sciatica, shingles Only given by doctors OTC = Over The Counter = can be bought without prescription

III. Common Non-Opioid Analgesics - Most Used at Home

1. Paracetamol / Acetaminophen - Panadol

  • Action: Acts on brain’s pain and temperature center
  • Benefit: Best for mild pain, headache, fever. Does not irritate stomach
  • Risk: Overdose = serious liver damage. More than 8 tablets in 24 hours is dangerous

2. NSAIDs = Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs Examples: Aspirin, Ibuprofen/Brufen, Diclofenac/Voltaren, Mefenamic acid/ Ponstan

  • Action: Reduce prostaglandins + reduce inflammation/swelling
  • Benefit: Best when pain + swelling both present - sprains, joint pain,

toothache, period pain

  • Risk: Can cause stomach ulcers if taken on empty stomach. BP and kidney patients should be careful

3. Aspirin Oldest painkiller. Also thins blood, so used for heart patients. Not given to children with viral fever due to risk of Reye’s syndrome.

IV. Opioids - Strong Painkillers Examples: Codeine, Tramadol, Morphine, Pethidine

  • Action: Bind to “mu-opioid receptors” in brain. Pain signal never reaches brain
  • Benefit: Used for severe pain like after surgery, broken bones, cancer
  • Risk: Addiction, slow breathing, constipation. Only used under hospital/ doctor supervision

V. Safe Use Rules for Analgesics

  1. Right reason: Take only if you have pain. Find the cause first
  2. Right dose: Never take more than written on the pack. “2 tablets for faster relief” is wrong
  3. Right time: NSAIDs like Ibuprofen, Diclofenac should always be taken after food. Empty stomach damages stomach lining
  4. Do not mix: Paracetamol + Panadol + Calpol = all same drug. Mixing causes overdose
  5. Do not use long term: If pain lasts more than 3-4 days, see a doctor. Painkillers hide the disease
  6. Children/elderly: Dose depends on age and weight. Do not decide dose yourself

VI. Side Effects - When to See a Doctor Paracetamol overdose: Stomach pain, vomiting, liver failure NSAIDs overdose: Stomach pain, black stools, high BP, kidney problems Opioids: Extreme sleepiness, dizziness, constipation, breathing difficulty

Red flags: Skin rash, difficulty breathing, swelling of face after taking medicine → Go to doctor/ER immediately

VII. Natural Pain Relief Methods Besides medicine, these also reduce pain:

  1. Cold/Hot compress - for sprains, headache
  2. Ginger, mint tea - for stomach pain, period pain
  3. Clove oil - for toothache
  4. Rest + sleep - body repairs pain chemicals naturally

VIII. Myths vs Facts Myth: Painkiller heals wound faster