Final answer:
Demerol and Stadol are analgesics that can act as narcotics at higher doses, used for moderate to severe pain management. They work by affecting opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord and can cause drowsiness and other side effects. These medications should be taken under medical supervision due to risks including potential dependence.
Step-by-step explanation:
Demerol and Stadol are medications classified as analgesics and narcotics. Analgesics are drugs that reduce pain without causing the loss of consciousness. Narcotics, however, are a type of analgesic that can induce drowsiness and potentially lead to loss of consciousness at higher doses. These medications work by binding to opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord, which alters the perception of pain and emotional response to pain.
Demerol, known generically as meperidine, and Stadol, whose generic name is butorphanol, are often used in the management of moderate to severe pain. They must be prescribed by a healthcare professional and are typically used when other pain relief methods are ineffective. It is crucial to use these medications under the guidance of a physician due to their potential for dependence and the risk of side effects, which can include nausea, vomiting, constipation, addiction, and in extreme cases, respiratory distress or failure.