Different Types Of Painkillers
Analgesics or painkillers are medications that are used to treat pain. There are many different types of painkillers available out there and most of them fall into one or the other groups shared below.
Anti-Inflammatory Drugs
These include drugs like naproxen and ibuprofen. These medicines are also called non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs, in short, NSAIDs. A few such medicines can be bought over the counter and there are also a few that are sold on a prescription basis.
Opioid Painkillers
These include medicines like tramadol, morphine, and codeine and are prescription medicines that can be bought only on prescription.
Non-Opioid Painkillers
Paracetamol is an example of a non-opioid painkiller. A few of these medications are available over the counter while others need a prescription.
Compound Painkillers
These painkillers are made by combining two different drugs. Compound painkillers can be made by combining an NSAID and a painkiller or a non-opioid painkiller and an opioid painkiller. Codamol is an example of a compound painkiller that is made by combining codeine and paracetamol.
Using Painkillers
You will probably be recommended anti-inflammatory drugs or non-opioid painkillers first and if these do not work, you might need stronger pain medication and might be offered opioid or compound painkillers. Read on to know more about using different kinds of painkillers.
Using NSAIDs
NSAIDs which expand to Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs are intended to mitigate pain and inflammation. A few of the commonly talked-about NSAIDs are the following:
Ibuprofen
Ibuprofen is an NSAID that is sold as an over-the-counter drug. It can help with inflammation and pain and is available in the form of tablets, capsules, spray, liquid, cream, and gel. Ibuprofen should be used with caution if you are over the age of sixty-five years, breastfeeding, or suffer from health issues like asthma, Crohn’s disease, lupus, ulcerative colitis, liver or kidney diseases, increased blood pressure, peripheral arterial disease, bleeding in the stomach, stroke or heart diseases.
Other NSAIDs
About twenty NSAIDs can only be purchased upon prescription. These include Diclofenac, Mefenamic acid, Naproxen, Indomethacin, Celecoxib, and Etoricoxib.
Using Non-Opioid Painkillers
Non-opioid painkillers are the commonly used painkiller and some of the most common non-opioid painkillers are discussed below.
Paracetamol
Paracetamol can be bought OTC to treat mild pain. Also, it can also be used alongside NSAIDs.
Aspirin
Low-dose Aspirin is a non-opioid painkiller that can be used to treat mild or moderate pain. There are types of aspirin that can be bought over the counter and others that can be bought only on prescription.