Which medication is classified as an opioid analgesic?

Meperidine is classified as an opioid analgesic, which distinguishes it from the other options listed. Opioid analgesics are a class of drugs that are used primarily to treat pain. They work by binding to specific receptors in the brain and spinal cord, significantly altering the perception of pain and producing effects such as euphoria, sedation, and respiratory depression.

Meperidine, specifically, is a synthetic opioid that is effective for moderate to severe pain and is often used in clinical settings. Its mechanism of action involves the activation of mu-opioid receptors, leading to its analgesic effects.

In contrast, ibuprofen and naproxen are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) that primarily reduce inflammation and manage mild to moderate pain, while acetaminophen is mainly an analgesic and antipyretic but does not have the anti-inflammatory properties that characterize NSAIDs. None of these alternatives engage with opioid receptors in the same way as meperidine, illustrating why meperidine is unique among the options provided.