Analgesics

An analgesic or painkiller is any member of the group of drugs used to achieve analgesia, relief from pain.

Analgesics act in various ways on the peripheral and central nervous systems — distinct from anesthetics, which temporarily affect, and in some instances completely eliminate, sensation.

Analgesics include acetaminophen, the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as the salicylates, and opioid drugs (not included here) such as morphine and oxycodone.