Which type of medication is used primarily to relieve pain?

Analgesics are medications specifically designed to alleviate pain. They work by acting on the nervous system or local tissues to reduce the perception of pain, making them essential in both acute and chronic pain management scenarios. This class of drugs can include non-opioid pain relievers, like acetaminophen and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), as well as opioid medications for more severe pain conditions.

In contrast, the other types of medications listed serve different purposes. Antacids are used to neutralize stomach acid and relieve indigestion or heartburn, while antibiotics are prescribed to treat infections caused by bacteria, and antidepressants are primarily focused on treating mood disorders, not pain. Understanding the roles of these different drug classes is crucial for anyone working in a healthcare setting, particularly in medication administration or patient care.