What is the difference between analgesic and painkiller?

Definitions

analgesic

- Describing a medication that relieves pain.

- Referring to a substance that reduces or eliminates pain without causing loss of consciousness.

- Talking about a drug that is used to alleviate mild to moderate pain.

painkiller

- Describing a medication that reduces or eliminates pain.

- Referring to a substance that alleviates pain by blocking nerve impulses.

- Talking about a drug that is used to relieve pain caused by injury, surgery, or chronic conditions.

List of Similarities

• 1. Both analgesic and painkiller are medications used to alleviate pain.
• 2. Both can be prescribed by a doctor or purchased over-the-counter.
• 3. Both work by reducing or eliminating pain signals sent to the brain.
• 4. Both can be used to treat mild to moderate pain caused by injury, surgery, or chronic conditions.

What is the difference?

• 1. Definition: Analgesic refers to any substance that relieves pain, while painkiller specifically refers to a drug that blocks pain signals.
• 2. Mechanism: Analgesic works by reducing the sensitivity of pain receptors, while painkiller works by blocking the transmission of pain signals to the brain.
• 3. Types: Analgesic includes non-opioid drugs like acetaminophen and NSAIDs, as well as opioid drugs like morphine and codeine. Painkiller typically refers to opioid drugs.
• 4. Side effects: Analgesic may cause side effects like stomach upset, dizziness, and liver damage. Painkiller may cause side effects like constipation, nausea, and respiratory depression.
• 5. Addiction potential: Analgesic has a lower risk of addiction compared to painkiller, which can be highly addictive.

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Remember this!

Analgesic and painkiller are both medications used to alleviate pain, but they differ in their definition, mechanism, types, side effects, and addiction potential. Analgesic is a broader term that includes both non-opioid and opioid drugs, while painkiller specifically refers to opioid drugs that block pain signals. While both can be effective in treating mild to moderate pain, painkiller has a higher risk of addiction and more severe side effects.