What type of medication is used to relieve pain?

Analgesics are specifically designed to relieve pain. They work by interacting with the body’s pain receptors or by blocking the signals that convey pain to the brain. This category of medication includes over-the-counter options like acetaminophen and ibuprofen, as well as prescription medications such as opioids for more severe pain.

In contrast, antibiotics are designed to fight bacterial infections and do not have a direct effect on pain relief. Anti-inflammatories, while they can reduce inflammation and thereby indirectly alleviate pain, are not solely categorized as pain relievers. Antidepressants can sometimes be used to manage chronic pain, but their primary purpose is to treat depression and anxiety rather than pain specifically. Thus, analgesics are the most direct and appropriate choice for managing pain.