Analgesic adjuvant
Analgesic Adjuvant
Analgesic adjuvants (pronounced: an-al-je-sic ad-ju-vants) are a group of medications that are not primarily designed to control pain, but can be used as an adjunct to enhance the pain-relieving effects of primary analgesics. They are often used in the management of chronic pain and may be beneficial in acute pain situations.
Etymology
The term "analgesic" is derived from the Greek words "an-" (without) and "algesis" (sensation of pain). "Adjuvant" comes from the Latin word "adjuvare" which means to aid or help.
Types of Analgesic Adjuvants
There are several types of analgesic adjuvants, including:
- Antidepressants: These are often used to treat neuropathic pain. They work by increasing the levels of certain chemicals in the brain that help reduce the perception of pain.
- Anticonvulsants: These are used to treat seizure disorders, but can also help manage certain types of pain, such as neuropathic pain.
- Corticosteroids: These are used to reduce inflammation and can help manage pain associated with inflammatory conditions.
- Bisphosphonates: These are used to treat bone pain, particularly in patients with cancer.
Usage
Analgesic adjuvants are used in conjunction with primary analgesics to enhance their pain-relieving effects. They can be used to manage a variety of pain types, including neuropathic pain, cancer pain, and postoperative pain. The choice of analgesic adjuvant depends on the type of pain, the patient's overall health, and the potential side effects of the medication.
Related Terms
- Analgesic: A medication that relieves pain.
- Adjuvant: A substance that enhances the body's immune response to an antigen.
- Chronic Pain: Long-term pain that lasts for more than three months.
- Acute Pain: Short-term pain that usually comes on suddenly and has a known cause.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Analgesic adjuvant
- Wikipedia's article - Analgesic adjuvant
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