What type of medication is commonly used to relieve pain?

Analgesics are a class of medications specifically designed to relieve pain. They work by blocking pain signals from reaching the brain or by altering the perception of pain. This makes them effective for a range of conditions involving pain, including headaches, muscle aches, arthritis, and postoperative pain.

In contrast, antibiotics target bacterial infections, anticoagulants prevent blood clots, and diuretics promote water loss and help manage conditions like hypertension. Each of these other types of medications serves distinct therapeutic purposes that do not include direct pain relief. Therefore, analgesics are the appropriate choice when looking for medications that specifically address pain management.