Which of the following is a non-opioid analgesic?

Study for the Foundation Year Pharmacy – Clinical Practice Test. Prepare with detailed questions, step-by-step explanations, and test format insights. Enhance your readiness and confidence!

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is a non-opioid analgesic?

Explanation:
Distinguishing opioid from non-opioid analgesics. Opioids such as morphine and codeine relieve pain by activating mu receptors, but they carry risks like dependence and respiratory depression. A non-opioid analgesic does not act on opioid receptors. Paracetamol fits this category well: it provides analgesia and fever reduction mainly through central mechanisms and has minimal anti-inflammatory activity and no dependence potential. This makes it a classic non-opioid option for mild-to-moderate pain. (Nefopam is also a non-opioid analgesic with a different mechanism, but paracetamol is the commonly cited example.)

Distinguishing opioid from non-opioid analgesics. Opioids such as morphine and codeine relieve pain by activating mu receptors, but they carry risks like dependence and respiratory depression. A non-opioid analgesic does not act on opioid receptors. Paracetamol fits this category well: it provides analgesia and fever reduction mainly through central mechanisms and has minimal anti-inflammatory activity and no dependence potential. This makes it a classic non-opioid option for mild-to-moderate pain. (Nefopam is also a non-opioid analgesic with a different mechanism, but paracetamol is the commonly cited example.)

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