Analgesics

drug class and

generic name common

trade name(s) use(s) mechanism

of action

anti-inflammatory analgesics

acetaminophen (http://www.britannica.com/eb/article?eu=3539)

mild to moderate pain,

fever inhibits prostaglandin synthesis

aspirin (http://www.britannica.com/eb/article?eu=10031)

(acetylsalicylic acid)

Ascriptin, Bayer, Bufferin, Ecotrin, Empirin, Excedrin mild to moderate pain,

fever inhibits prostaglandin synthesis

celecoxib

Celebrex arthritis inhibits prostaglandin synthesis and COX-2 activity

fenoprofen

Nalfon mild to moderate pain, arthritis inhibits prostaglandin synthesis and COX activity

ibuprofen (http://www.britannica.com/eb/article?eu=42896)

Advil, Motrin, Nuprin mild to moderate pain,

fever inhibits prostaglandin synthesis and COX activity

naproxen

Aleve, Anaprox, Naprosyn mild to moderate pain, arthritis inhibits prostaglandin synthesis and COX activity

rofecoxib

Vioxx mild to moderate pain, arthritis inhibits prostaglandin synthesis and COX-2 activity

opioid analgesics

codeine (http://www.britannica.com/eb/article?eu=25012)

Codeine mild to moderate pain;

cough affects opiate receptors in central nervous system

hydromorphone

Dilaudid moderate to severe

pain affects opiate receptors in central nervous system

meperidine (http://www.britannica.com/eb/article?eu=53367)

Demerol moderate to severe

pain affects opiate receptors in central nervous system

methadone (http://www.britannica.com/eb/article?eu=53633)

Dolophine, Methadose severe pain; narcotic addiction affects opiate receptors in central nervous system

morphine (http://www.britannica.com/eb/article?eu=55152)

Avinza, MS Contin, MSIR, Oramorph, RMS, Roxanol moderate to severe or chronic pain affects opiate receptors in central nervous system

pentazocine

Talwin moderate to severe

pain affects opiate receptors in central nervous system

propoxyphene

Darvon moderate to severe

pain affects opiate receptors in central nervous system