Non-narcotic analgesics such as aspirin , acetaminophen , and ibuprofen reduce pain by inhibiting the formation of nerve impulses at the site of pain. Some of these drugs can also reduce fever and inflammation. General anesthetics, used for surgery or painful procedures, depress brain activity, causing a loss of sensation throughout the body and unconsciousness. F. Anticancer Drugs Print section Anticancer drugs eliminate some cancers or reduce rapid growth and spread. These drugs do not affect all cancers but are specific for cancers in certain tissues or organs such as the bladder, brain, liver, or bones.
Anticancer drugs interfere with specific cancer-cell components.
Vinca alkaloids, chemicals produced by the periwinkle plant, prevent cancer cell division. Often a drug in one category can also be used for problems in other categories. For example, lidocaine can be used as a local anesthetic or as a cardiac drug. Page 1 of 3 See an outline for this article. How to cite this article Learn about Encarta's editorial process.