Which class of medications is used to relieve pain?

Analgesics are a class of medications specifically designed to relieve pain. This category includes various types of drugs, such as non-opioid analgesics like acetaminophen and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), as well as opioid analgesics like morphine and codeine. The primary action of analgesics is to alter the perception of pain and provide relief from discomfort, making them essential in both acute and chronic pain management scenarios.

Understanding the roles of other medication classes helps clarify why analgesics are the right choice. Antidepressants, while helpful for certain types of pain management in specific cases (like neuropathic pain), are not primarily intended to relieve pain. Antihistamines are used mainly for allergic reactions and do not provide analgesic effects. Antipyretics are medications that reduce fever but are not designed specifically for pain control. Thus, analgesics are uniquely suited for the purpose of pain relief.