What is an analgesic drug?
Analgesic drugs help stop pain. Because pain is common during acute illness, injury and following operations, analgesic drugs are frequently used in the ICU. These drugs are usually given intravenously in the ICU, but can also be given by mouth, as a skin patch, or through a special catheter in the lower part of the back called an epidural catheter. Medication doses are adjusted depending upon the severity of the pain. Why is it given? The doctor prescribes this drug to reduce pain felt by the patient or when the patient’s condition is known to be associated with pain. How long is it used? This depends upon how the patient feels. Pain medication is usually only needed for a short period of time. Under some circumstances, however, it might be used indefinitely. Does it have side effects? These types of pain medicines do have side effects. Common side effects include sedation, constipation, and occasionally nausea (upset stomach).
