What type of medication can relieve pain and reduce inflammation?

Analgesics are medications specifically designed to relieve pain. They work by acting on the peripheral and central nervous systems to alter the way the body feels pain. Common examples include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen and aspirin, which not only alleviate pain but also have anti-inflammatory properties. This dual action makes analgesics effective for various conditions where both pain relief and inflammation reduction are necessary, such as arthritis or muscle injuries.

In contrast, antipyretics are used to reduce fever and may provide some pain relief, but their primary function is not focused on treating inflammation. Antifungals are intended to combat fungal infections and have no role in pain relief or inflammation. Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections and do not address pain or inflammation directly. Therefore, analgesics are the most suitable option for alleviating pain and reducing inflammation.