Pain demands relief so patients can rest and heal. An analgesic is a medication given specifically to reduce or abolish the sensation of pain without causing loss of consciousness.

Simple analgesics such as acetaminophen and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs act mainly at the site of injury or in the central nervous system at modest intensity. Opioid analgesics bind opioid receptors and are reserved for moderate to severe pain because of risks of dependence, respiratory depression, and constipation. Choice depends on pain severity, cause, and patient factors.

Effective analgesia improves recovery after surgery and trauma and is a core element of palliative care. Overuse or misuse, particularly of opioids, has created major public-health problems. Prescribers therefore balance benefit against risk and prefer multimodal approaches that limit opioid exposure when possible.

• Medication that relieves pain without loss of consciousness
• Includes non-opioids and opioids of varying potency
• Selected according to pain intensity and patient risk
• Requires careful stewardship to avoid harm