What is an oral analgesic?
An oral analgesic in its most basic form is simply a painkiller taken via the mouth. Analgesic is medicine that is taken to stop pain. The medicine can either be prescribed by a doctor or purchased over the counter in many stores. Doctors invariably prescribe an oral analgesic to patients in acute pain. Doctors break down types of pain into two classes: chronic pain and acute pain. Chronic pain is usually pain that lasts for a long duration of time. This type of pain is difficult to treat with an oral analgesic, as the side effects from the drug are difficult to manage. Also, because the patient would have to take the painkiller for a long time, the addiction factor must be taken into consideration. Chronic pain usually requires a combination of medicine, therapy and lifestyle change. Acute pain usually does not last as long as chronic pain. It can occur after an injury, or after a surgery or childbirth. Headaches or migraines can also be classified as acute pain. Patients can be presc
