Question

Which of the following analgesics is not habit forming?
A.Morphine
B.Aspirin
C.Codeine
D.Heroin

Answer 1

Analgesics are a group of drugs that are used to achieve relief from pain (analgesia). They are known as painkillers. The opiate class of analgesics can be habit forming.

Complete step by step answer:
Various classes of drugs serve as analgesics, like paracetamol, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and opioid drugs. Opioid drugs are very effective as analgesics as they interfere with the working of the nervous system but can also cause sedation, nausea, euphoria, and respiratory depression. Long term use leads to tolerance, that is the effect of the drug is diminished and an increased dosage is required to carry out the same action. The long- term use also leads to physical dependence on the drug and the abrupt discontinuation of the drugs lead to very unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Hence they can be addictive or habit forming.
Morphine, codeine and heroin all belong to the class of opioid drugs and are addictive.
Aspirin is an analgesic which is used to cause relief from minor pains and aches and also to reduce fever.

Thus, the correct option is B.

Note:
Opioids act by binding to the opioid receptors present in the nervous system and gastrointestinal tract. The receptors mediate the somatic as well as the psychoactive effects of opioids. Opioids cause drug addiction. It is a complex set of behaviour associated with the misuse of specific drugs that keeps on developing over time and increasing doses. The use of drugs up to this extent causes psychological compulsion. In simpler terms, the consumer persists in actions that may lead to dangerous and unhealthy outcomes.