Several different classes of medications, each with multiple specific agents in each class, have analgesic (pain-killing), antipyretic (fever-reducing) or anti-inflammatory (inflammation-reducing) properties. These classes of medications include corticosteroids, non-steroidals, opiates and other miscellaneous agents, like acetaminophen. Some medications require prescriptions, but others can be purchased over-the-counter (OTC) at grocery stores and pharmacies.
Corticosteroids
Corticosteroid chemicals occur naturally in the body (most commonly, cortisol), but it can also be synthesized in laboratories. Some of the different corticosteroid medications, listed from most potent to least potent, include betamethasone, dexamethasone, methylprednisolone, triamcinolone, prednisone, prednisolone, hydrocortisone and others, according to the Rx List website. Formulations of corticosteroid medications include injections, oral tablets or solutions, nasal sprays, inhalers or topical lotions and creams. Corticosteroids have primarily anti-inflammatory properties and are commonly used to reduce swelling associated with injuries, among other uses. They work by decreasing the production of inflammatory chemicals, primarily prostaglandins, in the body. Corticosteroids have significant side effects, particularly if taken at high doses or for extended durations, reports the Cleveland Clinic.
NSAIDs
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, commonly referred to as NSAIDs, have similar effects as the corticosteroids; they, too, inhibit the production of inflammatory prostaglandins. Like the corticosteroids, NSAIDs have anti-inflammatory properties, but they also have analgesic and antipyretic properties. NSAIDs have few side effects compared to corticosteroids, are generally safe for adults or children and are effective for pain and inflammation, which makes them some of the most commonly used medications. NSAIDs are manufactured as oral tablets or liquids, patches, creams, eye drops or injections. This class contains many common agents, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen and brand name prescription medications, like Celebrex, Toradol or Mobic, according to the Consumer Reports Health website.
Opiates
Opiates, the most powerful analgesic medications, have no anti-inflammatory or antipyretic properties. The many different opiate medications, some of which are extremely potent, are derived from opium, a chemical produced in the poppy flower. These medications can be habit forming if taken daily for long periods of time. Physicians use opiates, sometimes also called narcotics, only for moderate to severe pain because of the potential for addiction. Opiates always require a prescription. Some examples of opiates include morphine, hydrocodone and oxycodone, according to MedlinePlus. Narcotic medications work by altering nerve cells to decrease the person's perception of pain and increase pain tolerance. Companies manufacture opiate medications as oral tablets or liquids, patches or injections.
Acetaminophen
Usually sold under the brand name Tylenol, acetaminophen is an analgesic and antipyretic with no anti-inflammatory properties. Acetaminophen has fewer side effects than NSAID medications and is considered safe for people with almost every kind of chronic disease. It is often sold in combination with other pain medications, like opiates, or in combination tablets used for cold and flu symptoms. You may see it abbreviated on packaging as "APAP," which stands for the chemical name of acetaminophen, N-acetyl-p-aminophenol. Scientists do not completely understand how acetaminophen works to reduce pain, but it may have an effect on the perception of pain by the brain. Acetaminophen is manufactured as oral tablets or capsules, or liquids for infants or children, according to the Rx List website.
Summary
Some medications have more than one effect on the body. Opiate medications are strictly analgesic medications, but acetaminophen has both analgesic and antipyretic properties. Corticosteroids are primarily anti-inflammatory medications, but non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) have analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic properties. Talk to a doctor or pharmacist about which class of medication would be most helpful to treat your specific symptoms.
