Analgesics: function, dosage, side effects, how to use

Functions & Usage

What are analgesics used for?

Analgesics are pain relievers to relieve pain from arthritis, surgery, injuries, toothaches, headaches, menstrual cramps, and muscle aches.

There are various types of analgesic drugs. According to Everyday Health, the types of pain relievers are as follows:

• opioid or opium group (moprhine, oxycodone, methadone, hydromorphone, fentanyl, codeine)
• acetaminophen (paracetamol)
• aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid)
• non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen, celecoxib)

All types of pain relievers have different ways of working. In general, the opium class is responsible for reducing pain signals transmitted by the brain and nervous system to target areas of the body.

Meanwhile paracetamol works to change the body's response to pain. NSAIDs play a role in inhibiting the development of pain in the body.

What are the rules for using analgesics?

Analgesic pain relievers are swallowed by mouth (taken by mouth) as directed by a doctor or according to the instructions on the package. The dose and length of time you take the drug are determined based on the medical condition and the body's response to treatment.

Follow the medication rules given by your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment. Do not use this medication for more than the recommended dose, for less, or for longer than the recommended dosage.

If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store analgesics?

Analgesics are best stored at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and damp places. Don't keep it in the bathroom. Don't freeze it.

Other brands of this drug may have different storage rules. Observe the storage instructions on the product package or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

If you are no longer using this medicine or if the medicine has expired, discard this medicine immediately according to the procedure for disposing of the medicine.

One of them, do not mix this drug with household waste. Do not also throw this drug in drains such as toilets.

Ask the pharmacist or staff from the local waste disposal agency about the proper and safe way to dispose of drugs for environmental health.

Dose

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.

What is the analgesic dose for adults?

The rules for taking this medicine depend on the type of disease and health condition. Follow the doctor's advice or the consumption instructions listed on the drug packaging label, to determine the rules for taking medicine within 24 hours.

Avoid taking the drug more or for longer than recommended, unless it is on your doctor's orders. Further consult with your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

What is the analgesic dose for children?

Use of this medicine for children should be given under the supervision of a doctor. Please consult a doctor for more information.

In what dosages and preparations is this drug available?

Pain relieving analgesics are available in tablet and cream form under various brand names.

Side effects

What side effects of analgesics might occur?

There are several possible side effects of using this pain reliever. Stop using this drug and consult your doctor immediately if you experience one or more of the following side effects:

• Stomach ache
• Headache
• Skin bruises easily
• Ringing in ears
• Nausea
• Gag
• Severe fatigue
• Dark urine
• Yellow eyes and skin
• Diarrhea
• Constipation

This side effect does not happen to everyone. There may be some side effects not listed above.

If you are concerned about possible side effects, please consult your doctor or pharmacist further.

Precautions & Warnings

What should be known before using analgesics?

Before using this drug, there are a number of things that need to be considered first. Tell your doctor about any medications that you are currently taking regularly, as well as any diseases that you have or have experienced before.

Also tell your doctor if you experience unusual reactions or allergies to certain drugs, or have other types of allergies such as to food, coloring, preservatives, and animal allergies.

Some health conditions may be more prone to side effects. Avoid driving or operating machinery after taking this medicine.

Is this drug safe for pregnant and lactating women?

There is no adequate research on the risks of using this pain reliever in pregnant or breastfeeding women. Always consult your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before using this medicine, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning.

Drug Interactions

What medicines should not be taken at the same time as analgesics?

Drug interactions can change the performance of your medications or increase the risk of serious side effects. Not all possible drug interactions are listed in this article.

Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription / non-prescription drugs and herbal products) and consult your doctor or pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any medication without your doctor's approval.

Some of the drugs that may interact with analgesic pain relievers are:

• Cimetidine
• Corticosteroids
• Cyclosporine
• Disulfiram
• Ephedrine
• Fluoroquinolones

Not all drugs that interact with this drug are listed above. For that, inform the doctor of all the products you use, including over-the-counter drugs or other prescription drugs. Your doctor may prescribe other medications that are appropriate for your condition.

What foods and drinks should not be consumed while using analgesics?

Certain drugs should not be used when eating certain foods because drug-food interactions can occur.

Smoking tobacco or consuming alcohol with certain drugs can also cause interactions to occur.

Discuss your use of drugs with food, alcohol, or tobacco with your health care provider.

Avoid eating grapefruit (grapefruit) or drinking red grapefruit juice while using the medicine unless your doctor allows it.

Grapefruit and grapefruit drugs can increase the risk of interactions. Consult your doctor and pharmacist for more info.

Are there certain health conditions that analgesics should avoid?

Your health conditions may affect the effects of using this drug. Always tell your doctor if you have other health problems. The use of analgesic drugs is not recommended if you have medical conditions such as blood clotting disorders (hemophilia, vitamin K deficiency, and low platelet levels).

We recommend that you consult your doctor first before taking analgesic drugs for those of you who have kidney, liver, diabetes, ulcers, nasal polyps, gout, and asthma (especially those whose symptoms will get worse after taking NSAIDs and aspirin).

Overdose

What are the symptoms of an analgesic overdose and what are the effects?

An overdose of ingredients contained in analgesic drugs can cause serious overdose symptoms that are life threatening. Therefore, never take this medicine more than the dose recommended by your doctor or pharmacist.

What should I do in an emergency or overdose?

In an emergency or overdose situation, call 119 or rush to the nearest hospital.

What should I do if I forget to take medicine or forget to take medicine?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if you just remember when it's time for the next dose, just ignore the missed dose, and continue taking it as scheduled. Make sure you don't double your dose in one shot.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical consultation, diagnosis or treatment.