What is the term for a drug that prevents pain during surgery?

The term that refers to a drug that prevents pain during surgery is "anesthetic." Anesthetics work by inducing a state of controlled unconsciousness or numbness, which allows patients to undergo surgical procedures without experiencing pain or discomfort. They can be administered in various ways, including through inhalation or intravenous methods.

In contrast, analgesics are specifically designed to relieve pain but do not induce unconsciousness or numbness like anesthetics. Antiseptics are substances used to prevent infection by inhibiting the growth of microorganisms, and antipyretics are drugs that reduce fever. Each of these alternatives has distinct functions and uses in medical practice, making "anesthetic" the correct term for preventing pain during surgical procedures.