Which term refers to medications specifically designed to relieve pain?

The term that refers to medications specifically designed to relieve pain is "analgesics." Analgesics are a class of drugs that work by inhibiting pain pathways in the nervous system, thereby reducing the perception of pain. They can range from over-the-counter options like acetaminophen and ibuprofen to stronger prescription medications like opioids. The primary function of analgesics is to improve the quality of life for individuals experiencing acute or chronic pain by providing relief and enabling better functioning in daily activities.

In contrast, anxiolytics are medications that primarily help alleviate anxiety; they do not focus on pain relief. Antipyretics are used to reduce fever; while they may impact discomfort related to fever, they are not specifically intended for general pain relief. Anesthetics are drugs that induce a loss of sensation or awareness, often used during surgical procedures to prevent pain, but they do not serve the function of relieving pain in a therapeutic daily context.