Which of the following is a common pharmacological intervention for pain management?

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are widely used for pain management due to their effectiveness in reducing inflammation and alleviating pain. NSAIDs work by inhibiting enzymes in the cyclooxygenase (COX) pathway, which are responsible for the production of prostaglandins—compounds that promote inflammation, pain, and fever. By decreasing the levels of these pain-inducing substances, NSAIDs help patients manage acute and chronic pain conditions, such as arthritis, headaches, and muscle soreness.

In contrast, antibiotics primarily target bacterial infections and do not have analgesic properties for pain management. Antidepressants may have some role in managing pain, especially in certain chronic pain conditions, but they are not considered a first-line treatment for general pain management. Immunosuppressants are used to manage autoimmune conditions and are not indicated for treating pain specifically. Thus, NSAIDs remain a cornerstone in pharmacological approaches for effective pain relief.