CHEMISTRY AND THERAPEUTIC EFFECTS OF ANALGESICS

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

Analgesics include all medicines that are used to relieve pain. They are also known as
painkillers or pain relievers. Technically, the term analgesic refers to a medication
that provides relief from pain without putting you to sleep or making you lose
consciousness. The common groups of pain killers are nonsteroidal anti-
inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and opioids (narcotics), but there are many more.

Based on their potency, or how strong they are, analgesics such

as acetaminophen and NSAIDs have been recommended for mild-to-moderate
pain; weak opioids, such as codeine, dihydrocodeine or tramadol, for moderate-
to-severe pain; and stronger opioids, such as oxycodone and morphine, for
severe pain. It is important to note that not all analgesics are appropriate for all these conditions.
People ranging from the old to infants make use of such drugs at an outrageous rate, however excessive
utilization is found in youth and older people. Hence the chemistry of the analgesics is worth
understanding including the therapeutic effects so as to clearly potray it’seffcts to users and create a
means for possible local production.

AIM AND OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

The aim of this project is to understand the chemistry and base therapeutic effects of analgesics. The
specific objectives are to

I. Understand the chemistry of pain and analgesics activities

II. To bring in consensus all relevant works which has been done about drugs with analgesic
properties including it’s short and long term side effects.
III. comparison of the effectiveness of the commonly used products to pain management and
the chemistry associated to pain
IV. Consider other products or sources from which analgesics can be synthesized which will
have less side effects and cost effective
V. Make recommendations based on the findings