Which type of medication would be used for treating severe pain?

Narcotics, also known as opioids, are specifically designed to manage and alleviate severe pain. These medications work by binding to opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord, which blocks the transmission of pain signals, resulting in increased pain tolerance. Narcotics are often prescribed for post-operative pain, injury-related pain, or chronic pain conditions that are not adequately controlled by over-the-counter pain relievers.

In contrast, antipyretics are used to reduce fever and provide mild pain relief, which is not sufficient for managing severe pain. Antibiotics serve to treat bacterial infections and do not have any analgesic properties, making them irrelevant for pain management. Antihistamines are primarily used to alleviate allergy symptoms and have sedative effects, but they are not intended for pain relief. Thus, among the options presented, narcotics are the appropriate choice for treating severe pain.