Aspirin and paracetamol fall under which category of analgesics?

Aspirin and paracetamol are classified as non-narcotic analgesics because they alleviate pain without producing the sedative effects typically associated with narcotics. Non-narcotic analgesics work mainly through the inhibition of enzymes that synthesize prostaglandins, substances in the body that promote inflammation and pain sensation. By reducing the production of these compounds, aspirin and paracetamol effectively relieve mild to moderate pain, such as headaches or muscle aches.

Narcotic analgesics, on the other hand, rely on acting on specific receptors in the brain and spinal cord, leading to a higher potential for addiction and side effects, which is not applicable to aspirin and paracetamol. Prescription analgesics encompass a range of both narcotic and non-narcotic types, but since both aspirin and paracetamol can be purchased over-the-counter, they do not require a prescription. Lastly, topical analgesics are designed to be applied directly to the skin and are typically distinct from systemically acting pain relievers like aspirin and paracetamol.