An overview of analgesics: NSAIDs, paracetamol, and topical analgesics
Pain is a complex and unique experience. It encompasses several pathways, involving nociceptive signal generation (transduction) and propagation (transmission), as well as perception and modulation of the nociceptive stimuli. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) primarily exert their analge...
| Main Authors: | , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
AOSIS
2019-03-01
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| Series: | South African Family Practice |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://safpj.co.za/index.php/safpj/article/view/5045 |
| _version_ | 1811311169048150016 |
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| author | R. Van Rensburg H. Reuter |
| author_facet | R. Van Rensburg H. Reuter |
| author_sort | R. Van Rensburg |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Pain is a complex and unique experience. It encompasses several pathways, involving nociceptive signal generation (transduction) and propagation (transmission), as well as perception and modulation of the nociceptive stimuli. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) primarily exert their analgesic effects through inhibition of cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, thereby attenuating prostaglandin synthesis. The COX-2 selective NSAIDs (coxibs) and aspirin have also been shown to reduce colorectal cancers, presumably by prostaglandin-inhibition mechanisms. Paracetamol appears to have both peripheral and central effects. The postulated mechanism for its peripheral effects is indirect COX inhibition, while the central effects are thought to be mediated by modulation of descending pain inhibition pathways. Topical analgesics are available in various formulations. The topical NSAIDs have the same mechanism of action as the systemic formulations, but with less systemic absorption and effects. The local anaesthetics provide a dense sensory block via inhibition of nerve impulse transmission, and are available in percutaneous and transdermal preparations. Capsicum is effective for neuropathic pain, and acts by stimulating and then desensitising peripheral sensory nerves. |
| first_indexed | 2024-04-13T10:14:05Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-7338229bbe1b4dea9eeaa275e90ca29f |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 2078-6190 2078-6204 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-04-13T10:14:05Z |
| publishDate | 2019-03-01 |
| publisher | AOSIS |
| record_format | Article |
| series | South African Family Practice |
| spelling | doaj.art-7338229bbe1b4dea9eeaa275e90ca29f2022-12-22T02:50:48ZengAOSISSouth African Family Practice2078-61902078-62042019-03-0161110.4102/safp.v61i1.50453992An overview of analgesics: NSAIDs, paracetamol, and topical analgesicsR. Van Rensburg0H. Reuter1Stellenbosch UniversityStellenbosch UniversityPain is a complex and unique experience. It encompasses several pathways, involving nociceptive signal generation (transduction) and propagation (transmission), as well as perception and modulation of the nociceptive stimuli. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) primarily exert their analgesic effects through inhibition of cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, thereby attenuating prostaglandin synthesis. The COX-2 selective NSAIDs (coxibs) and aspirin have also been shown to reduce colorectal cancers, presumably by prostaglandin-inhibition mechanisms. Paracetamol appears to have both peripheral and central effects. The postulated mechanism for its peripheral effects is indirect COX inhibition, while the central effects are thought to be mediated by modulation of descending pain inhibition pathways. Topical analgesics are available in various formulations. The topical NSAIDs have the same mechanism of action as the systemic formulations, but with less systemic absorption and effects. The local anaesthetics provide a dense sensory block via inhibition of nerve impulse transmission, and are available in percutaneous and transdermal preparations. Capsicum is effective for neuropathic pain, and acts by stimulating and then desensitising peripheral sensory nerves.https://safpj.co.za/index.php/safpj/article/view/5045painnociceptionnsaidsparacetamoltopical analgesia |
| spellingShingle | R. Van Rensburg H. Reuter An overview of analgesics: NSAIDs, paracetamol, and topical analgesics South African Family Practice pain nociception nsaids paracetamol topical analgesia |
| title | An overview of analgesics: NSAIDs, paracetamol, and topical analgesics |
| title_full | An overview of analgesics: NSAIDs, paracetamol, and topical analgesics |
| title_fullStr | An overview of analgesics: NSAIDs, paracetamol, and topical analgesics |
| title_full_unstemmed | An overview of analgesics: NSAIDs, paracetamol, and topical analgesics |
| title_short | An overview of analgesics: NSAIDs, paracetamol, and topical analgesics |
| title_sort | overview of analgesics nsaids paracetamol and topical analgesics |
| topic | pain nociception nsaids paracetamol topical analgesia |
| url | https://safpj.co.za/index.php/safpj/article/view/5045 |
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