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Non-opioid analgesics: What They Do, Medicines

Also in: हिन्दी தமிழ் मराठी తెలుగు ಕನ್ನಡ বাংলা ગુજરાતી മലയാളം

Non-opioid analgesics are pain relievers that do not act on the body's opioid receptors, unlike morphine or tramadol. They are used to relieve mild to moderate pain, and some also bring down fever. Paracetamol is the most widely used medicine of this kind. Anti-inflammatory painkillers (NSAIDs) are also non-opioid, but they are listed as a separate group.

Pharmacist review in progress. This page is based on the sources listed below and is being checked by our registered pharmacist.

How do Non-opioid analgesics work?

Medicines in this group lower the production of prostaglandins, chemical messengers that raise body temperature and make nerves more sensitive to pain. Paracetamol acts mainly in the brain and spinal cord, so it does little to reduce swelling.

Active ingredients of this type

These active ingredients belong to Non-opioid analgesics. They are listed A to Z.

  • Paracetamol: Paracetamol (also called acetaminophen) is a medicine used to bring down fever and to relieve mild to moderate pain.

Common questions

Are non-opioid painkillers habit-forming?

No. Medicines such as paracetamol are not addictive. They can still cause serious harm if more than the label's daily maximum is taken, so follow the label or your doctor's advice and check other medicines for the same ingredient.

Sources

  1. National Formulary of India. Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission
  2. Acetaminophen. StatPearls, National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), US National Library of Medicine
  3. Paracetamol for adults. NHS (UK)