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Chemistry in Everyday Life is an exciting chapter from Class 12 CBSE Chemistry. It is the same chapter that deals with Analgesics. What then are these Analgesics, and What is its use?
Analgesics fall under the category of a painkiller or tranquiliser drug. Since we encounter many different forms of pain every day, we come across the need for medications and counseling. Analgesics are known to reduce this pain rather than eliminating the sensation of the pain itself. In other words, it eliminates any mental confusion and disturbances in the nervous system working either way on the Peripheral and Central nervous systems.
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Keyterms: Analgesics, tranquiliser, painkiller, Peripheral nervous system, Central nervous system, pain, anti-inflammatory drug, alicylic acid, phenacetin, aspirin
Definition
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Analgesics, due to their ability to reduce local inflammatory responses, is also known as an anti-inflammatory drug. Anti-inflammatory analgesics are mostly derived from two compounds: salicylic acid and phenacetin. Acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) is derived from salicylic acid and is the most widely used mild analgesic. Acetaminophen is derived from phenacetin, which is also called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). It includes compounds such as ibuprofen, naproxen, and fenoprofen. Both Aspirin and NSAIDs inhibit the synthesis of prostaglandins that induce responses in local tissues, including pain and inflammation.
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Types
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Analgesics are mainly in two types, Non-Narcotic and Narcotic.
- Non-Narcotic Analgesics do not cause any addiction once consumed.
- Both Aspirin and Paracetamol belong to this category.
- Narcotic analgesics on the other hand are capable of inducing sleep and unconsciousness when consumed.
- Morphin, heroin, Marijuana all belong to this category of analgesics.
- Narcotic drugs are prescribed by medical professionals and should not be consumed beyond the prescribed amounts.
- Its excessive usage can culminate in Coma or Convulsion, or even death.
- Excessive intake of Non-Narcotic drugs beyond the recommended amount too comes with its consequences.
Non-Narcotic Analgesics
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Classification
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Analgesics are classified based on the mechanism of action. These classifications include:
- Paracetamol (acetaminophen)
- NSAIDs
- COX-2 inhibitors
- Opioids
- Alcohol
- Medical cannabis
- Combinations
- Alternative medicine
- Psychotropic agents
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Uses
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The most common use of Analgesics is to relieve pain. The following health conditions generally require the consumption of analgesics.
- appendicitis
- cancer
- congenital conditions( curvature of the spine)
- gallbladder diseases
- gastrointestinal disorders
- headaches
- infection
- menstruation
- migraines
- multiple sclerosis
- nerve damage
- osteoarthritis
- pain syndromes
- poor posture
- rheumatoid arthritis
- sprains
- strains
- surgery
- trauma
- toothache
- wound cleansing
- debridement
If noticed carefully, it can be identified that Analgesic drugs are already a part of our everyday life, either, with the increase in the number of diseases in the present day our dependence on medical drugs has increased unprecedentedly.
Chemical Combination of Morphine
Chemical Combination of Aspirin
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Side Effects
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Consumption of Analgesics is to be done carefully considering the potential threats its misuse creates. Even after consumption, certain side effects are probable. Some of these side effects include:
- Extra dosage consumption can be fatal.
- Euphoria
- dysphoria
- agitation
- seizures
- hallucinations are commonly seen among its consumers.
- Another consequence of its intake includes lowered blood pressure and heart rate.
- Muscular rigidity
- Contractions.
- Nausea
- Vomiting.
- Non-allergic itching.
- Sexual dysfunction.
- Urinary retention.
- Sedation.
- Dizziness.
- Nausea.
- Vomiting.
- Constipation.
- Physical dependence.
- Tolerance.
- Respiratory depression.
All the above-mentioned effects are the commonly witnessed side effects of the intake of Analgesics. A medical professional's approval is hence mandatory for its consumption. People with long-term illnesses are recommended not to consume analgesics at any cost.
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Things to Remember
- The use of Analgesic drugs carries a potential risk of addiction or overdose.
- Medical prescription is mandatory for the usage of these drugs.
- Analgesics can also be a lifesaver for some people, especially for those with arthritis.
- It is known to provide relief from pain to perform everyday chores with ease.
- The type of Analgesic that is to be taken is decided based on the type of pain/health condition. Hence all Analgesic drugs are not for all kinds of pain.
- Combining these drugs with alcohol can be fatal.
- With careful administration, analgesics do prove to be effective but some countries are suspicious of the consumption of these drugs.
- Most of these drugs if taken regularly without prescription or recommendation of a doctor can even prove to be fatal in some cases.
- However, such countries depend on the alternatives for Analgesics which has also proven to work effectively in curing any chronic pain and illness.
- Hence both Analgesics and its alternatives are a part of our everyday life.
Sample Questions
Ques. What are the two main classifications of Analgesics? (2 marks)
Ans. The two main types of Analgesics are Non-Narcotic and Narcotic drugs. Non-Narcotic Analgesics include those that do not cause any addiction once consumed. Both Aspirin and Paracetamol belong to this category. Narcotic analgesics on the other hand are capable of inducing sleep and unconsciousness when consumed. Morphin, heroin, Marijuana all belong to this category of analgesics.
Ques. What are some examples of Analgesics drugs? (2 marks)
Ans. Codeine, an opium alkaloid that can be made synthetically, is useful oral analgesia when used in combination with aspirin. A synthetic opioid analgesic, Methadone, helps moderate the effects of withdrawal from heroin addiction. Naloxone and naltrexone are used to reverse morphine overdoses and to reverse a wide variety of causes, including alcohol intoxication and also anesthesia. This is because these drugs provide recovery within minutes of injection.
Ques. Are there any alternatives to Analgesics? (2 marks)
Ans. There is evidence that Safer painkillers are always available. These alternative medicines can relieve some types of pain more effectively than a placebo. Some of them include Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory painkillers like Motrin, Advil, and Excedrin.
- Naprosyn is another example.
- Acetaminophen, commonly sold under the brands Tylenol and Panadol, also works great for managing mild to moderate pain like all other alternatives mentioned above.
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