Pain Relievers
(Medical Products)
On this page, your questions before using pain relief medications will be answered.
What are pain relief medications?
Pain relief medications are drugs that reduce different types of pain, such as headaches, injuries, or arthritis.
Anti-inflammatory pain relievers reduce inflammation, while opioid pain relievers change the way the brain perceives pain.
Some pain relievers can be purchased without a prescription, while others require one.
Unlike anesthesia medications used during surgery, mild pain relievers do not cause nerve suppression, changes in awareness of surroundings, or loss of consciousness.
How effective are pain relief medications? How do they work?
Pain relief medications are classified into:
- Non-opioid (non-narcotic)NSAIDspain relievers
- Opioid (narcotic) pain relievers
For example, anti-inflammatory medications (non-opioid) work by reducing inflammation “swelling” at the site of pain.
- Meanwhile, opioid pain relievers—also called narcotics—work by changing the brain’s perception of pain.
- Opioids can be any medication, natural or man-made, and many of them are similar to morphine.
- Examples of pain relief medications
Examples of non-opioid pain relievers (over-the-counter):
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, naproxen, and aspirin. They can be used for various conditions like arthritis, headaches, and more.
Acetaminophen (paracetamol), which is considered safe and effective when used correctly.
- Examples of opioid pain relievers (prescription only):
- Codeine
- Fentanyl
- Morphine
- When using opioid pain relievers, doctors must monitor their patients regularly, check their mental state, and observe for any signs of misuse or addiction.
What are the uses of pain relief medications?
Pain relievers are used to reduce pain and inflammation. The type of pain reliever depends on the specific need.
For example, they are used in the following cases:
After surgery
Due to injury, such as broken bones
-
Acute pain (sudden and short-term), such as a sprained ankle or headache
Aches and pains such as menstrual cramps or muscle aches
- Chronic painful conditions such as arthritis, cancer, or back pain
- What should you look for when buying pain relief medications?
- Over-the-counter combination medications—such as cold and flu treatments—often contain a mix of active ingredients, so it is essential to read the list of active components.
- Reading labels helps you: Avoid medications that may cause allergies, Avoid medications that may conflict with an existing health condition
- It is also important to pay attention to drug interactions, as taking conflicting medications can lead to serious consequences.
- For example: NSAIDs can increase the risk of bleeding when used with warfarin (a blood thinner), Acetaminophen may also enhance the effects of warfarin.
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the side effects and warning signs to stop using pain relief medications?
-
Stop using pain relief medications and seek immediate medical care if you are taking a pain reliever and notice:
Allergic reactions such as rash or swelling anywhere on the body
- Black-colored stool
- Blood or brown-colored vomit
- Changes in vision or hearing
- Severe stomach pain
- Severe headache
- Difficulty urinating or changes in urine color
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
- What forms do pain relief medications come in?
