Classified by their mode of action, all important classes of analgesics are presented here, including recent developments that have not yet been introduced to the market. Altogether, more than 300 compounds are described.

A carefully designed layout presents the most relevant information at a glance, including compound structure, physical properties, synthesis schemes and clinical uses. Trade names for different countries are also given, allowing quick reference to compounds currently on the market.

In addition to proven pain relievers, novel approaches to pain treatment are discussed and drug candidates for future therapies are presented.

With its broad scope and extensive compound listings, this is a premier reference source for pain treatment by pharmacological means. A valuable resource for clinicians, drug developers and pain researchers.

Contents

1. Introduction
   1. What is Pain?

2. Pain Therapy Today
   2. Cyclooxygenase Inhibition: From NSAIDS to Selective COX-2 Inhibitors
   3. Opioids
   4. NA and 5-HT Reuptake Inhibitors and α₂ Agonists

3. New Approaches in Pain Therapy
   5. Gabapentin and Gabapentinoids
   6. Voltage-gated Ion Channels
   7. Glutamate Receptors
   8. Acetylcholine Receptors
   9. Further Opioid Receptors
   10. Adenosine
   11. P2 Receptors
   12. Natural and Synthetic Cannabinoids
   13. Vanilloids and the VR1 Receptor
   14. Substance P/NK₁ Receptors
   15. CGRP₁-Receptor Antagonists
   16. Nitric Oxide

4. Outlook
   17. Outlook-The Future of Pain Management

Glossary
Index

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