What classification do Morphine and Demerol fall into?

Morphine and Demerol are classified as analgesics because they are primarily used to relieve pain. Analgesics are a category of medications designed to reduce or eliminate pain perception. Both of these drugs are opioid analgesics, meaning they work by interacting with specific receptors in the brain and spinal cord that are involved in the pain pathway, effectively changing the way the body senses and responds to pain.

These medications are commonly prescribed for moderate to severe pain management, often following surgeries or for chronic pain conditions. This classification as analgesics is foundational in understanding how these medications work and their uses in clinical practice.