Abstract
When using analgesics to relieve pain, the fact that each drug is intrinsically linked to the possibility of its negative effects on the organism - toxicity - must be kept in mind. In the paper, a basic overview of toxicology of analgesics, both from the group of non-narcotic analgesics and from opioids, is presented.
The information is classified on the basis of the chemical structure, and general mechanisms of toxicity associated with analgesic effects of both groups of substances are shown. Non-narcotic analgesics inhibit cyclooxygenase (which affects prostaglandin levels), and it is usually demonstrated by gastrointestinal and haematotoxic effects.
In the case of opioids, toxicity is a manifestation of their competition with opioid receptors. Both groups of substances may lead to addiction, which is dangerous in the case of opioids.