Final answer:
Pentazocine, which is prescribed for moderate pain, is classified as a mixed opioid agonist-antagonist because it has both agonist and antagonist effects on different opioid receptors, offering analgesic properties with potentially less addiction and respiratory depression risks.
Step-by-step explanation:
Pentazocine is prescribed for a child with moderate pain. When considering the classification of this medication, it's important to know the characteristics and mechanisms of different types of pain relief medications. Looking at the options provided:
- NSAID (Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug): These drugs, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen, work by inhibiting the COX enzymes that are involved in pain and inflammation. They are commonly used for their anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antipyretic properties.
- Prostaglandin Inhibitor: This is a broader category that includes NSAIDs as they prevent the production of prostaglandins, substances that are involved in pain and inflammation.
- Opioid: Opioids are a class of drugs that include both natural opiates derived from opium poppies, like morphine and codeine, and synthetic versions like oxycodone and hydrocodone. They work by mimicking the endogenous opioid neurotransmitter system in the body, which helps to reduce pain and can produce euphoria, but also carries a high risk of abuse and addiction.
- Mixed opioid agonist-antagonist: This type of drug acts as an agonist on certain opioid receptors and an antagonist on others. It can provide pain relief while reducing some of the risks associated with pure opioid agonists.
Pentazocine fits into the category of a mixed opioid agonist-antagonist. It is designed to provide analgesic effects by partially stimulating opioid receptors (agonist effect) while also blocking other opioid receptors (antagonist effect). This mechanism provides pain relief and has the potential for less risk of addiction and respiratory depression often associated with pure opioid agonists. Therefore, the correct answer is D) Mixed opioid agonist-antagonist.