What type of medications are used primarily for pain relief?

Analgesic medications are specifically designed to alleviate pain. They work by blocking pain signals from reaching the brain or by interfering with the brain's interpretation of these signals. This category includes various types of pain relievers, such as non-opioid medications like acetaminophen and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), as well as opioids for more severe pain. The primary focus of analgesics is on pain management, making them the most appropriate choice for addressing pain relief.

In contrast, antibiotics are aimed at treating bacterial infections, while laxatives are used to relieve constipation, and antidepressants are primarily used to treat mood disorders such as depression and anxiety. Each of these options serves a different medical purpose and does not focus primarily on pain relief.