Question

How do pain relievers work

Answer 1

Hey there!

Pain relievers prevent damaged cells from creating a chemical called prostaglandin. Once cells stop producing this chemical, the brain doesn't receive any pain message.

Thank you!

Answer 2

The pain relievers or analgesics refer to the group of drugs used to eliminate the feeling of pain.

They produce their effects by acting on the central and peripheral nervous system.

For example, few analgesics inhibit the production of prostaglandin from injured cells. This chemical helps the nerves in transmitting pain and injury signals to the brain.

Thus, inhibition of prostaglandin production would inhibit the transmission of pain signals through the nervous system and our body would no longer feel the pain.

Common analgesics used are paracetamol, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs such as salicylates), and opioid drugs (such as oxycodone and morphine).