Pain Medication
Pain medications or analgesics are a group of medication that manages or relieves pain. Such pain or physical discomforts can be either acute (short-term) or chronic (long-term). According to clinical data, about 30% of the global population suffers from various types of pain. It indicates the worldwide demand for pain medications estimated in 2020 at USD 72,065.3 Million.
A rise in these statistical data concurrently increases the health risks associated with pain medication. Therefore, taking these powerful pain relievers with utmost caution and under proper medical supervision is essential.
TYPES
Some other types include topical pain relievers. These are treatments applied directly to the skin to relieve pain. Topical pain relievers can be either Acetaminophen or NSAIDs and are available as gels and creams. Some of them are Capsaicin cream, Diclofenac gel, etc.
Combinations are a type of pain reliever containing Acetaminophen and NSAIDs; some might even have caffeine. Pain away pills or relievers such as Advil Dual Action is a combination of drugs.
This type of pain medication is used to treat moderate to severe pain. Prescription medications are comparatively more powerful analgesics than OTC medications. A valid prescription from a medical professional is required to access it.
Corticosteroids : These are strong medicines that treat inflammation by restricting the chemicals responsible for inflammation and irritation. Corticosteroids reduce swelling, redness, and other symptoms. It is a potent treatment for asthma, arthritis, and allergies. A few such drugs are prednisolone, methylprednisolone, etc.
Opioids : These are narcotic prescription medications that work on the brain's pain receptors and alter pain perceptions. The therapeutical efficacy manages severe chronic pain conditions. It is also effective for post-surgical acute pain. Examples include Tapentadol, Codeine, Hydrocodone, etc.
NSAIDs : Higher doses of NSAIDs are available only on producing a valid prescription. Such medicines provide better efficacy than OTC NSAIDs. However, patients with stomach, liver, hypertension, and asthma should avoid it. Examples include meloxicam, celecoxib, etc.
Anticonvulsants or Anti-epileptic : These medicines are primarily prescribed for seizures or epilepsy. They also help to manage severe pain. Examples Gabapentin, Pregabalin, etc.
Antidepressants : These drugs alter the neurotransmitters or brain chemicals and treat emotional changes and pain. It is one of the most prescribed treatments for chronic pain (neuropathic or nerve pain) when the patient is unresponsive to other pain treatments. For example, citalopram, doxepin, duloxetine, etc.
Prescription Topical : Lidocaine patches are the topical treatment for pain relief available only with a medical prescription.
Muscle relaxers : Prescription muscle relaxers such as Carisoprodol (Pain O Soma) help to relieve acute pain conditions. Muscle relaxers work on the Central nervous system and block the pain sensation from reaching the receptors.
USES
Medicines that provide the most effective treatment can be termed the most potent pain reliever.
The pain medication chart below provides brief information on the strongest painkiller.
| Opioids |
| Corticosteroids |
| Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs |
| Muscle relaxer |
| Acetaminophen |
| Other Topical Treatment Agents |
Our pharmacy offers a wide range of opioids and muscle relaxants. Learn about Remedy counter and the analgesics available on our website, which are FDA-approved and clinically proven to help manage body pain within 30 minutes.
RISKS
OTC pain medications are relatively safe. However, these medicines can still cause risks and unwanted side effects and affect the efficacy of other medications. A pharmacist might assist you with the safe consumption of such drugs.
Consumption of such medicines should be avoided if you have a liver or kidney disease history.
Acetaminophen risks : Taking this medicine over 3000 mg a day can cause liver complications. Moreover, consuming alcohol can further increase the risk of liver issues.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs risks : Long-term consumption of such medicine is not recommended. Consultation is required in the consumption of such medications over 10 days. NSAIDs can increase the risks of heart disease, high blood pressure, strokes, and other conditions such as bleeding, upset stomach, or rashes.
| Medicine | Complication | Management |
|---|---|---|
| Corticosteroids | Mood changes, Weak immune system, Trouble sleeping, high sugar levels, etc. | It is recommended to start with the lowest dose possible and for the shortest duration to minimize the side effects. |
| Opioids | Drowsiness, Constipation, Nausea, Breathing problems, Addiction, etc. | It should be taken for chronic pain when the first line of treatment is unresponsive and under strict prescription dose and duration. |
| NSAIDs (higher dose) | Heart attack, strokes, Ulcers, bleeding, kidney disease, etc. | It should be taken with food and as per the prescribed instructions. |
| Anticonvulsan | Drowsiness, dizziness, Fatigue, Nausea, etc. | Start with a lower anticonvulsant dose and gradually increase it. Abrupt stopping should be avoided as well. |
| Antidepressant | Fatigue, headache, Erectile Dysfunction, blurry vision, etc. | The Antidepressants pills should be administered at a lower dose than their prescription strength for depression. The dose of the medication can then be gradually increased depending on the condition and severity of the pain. |
| Topical | Stinging, irritation, burning, redness, dryness, etc. | Clean and sanitize the affected area and apply as directed by a health expert. |
| Muscle relaxer | Drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, liver issues, etc. | It should be taken strictly under prescription instructions, and informing the doctor about underlying health conditions and undergoing treatment is mandatory. |
SAFETY
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Acetaminophen is the most commonly used painkiller used as the first line of treatment for mild to moderate pain.
Opioid analgesics such as Tapentadol are potent pain medications for chronic or long-term discomfort.
Pain medications are often prescribed for pregnant women. However, such treatments should be taken strictly under the supervision of a gynecologist.
Pain medications should be taken as directed by your health expert. Taking pain medications over the prescribed duration and OTC medications over 10 days can result in side effects, addiction, or drug tolerance.
Different pain medications vary in their duration of action. Your doctor or pharmacist (for OTC medicine) might suggest the proper dosing information based on the condition's efficacy, duration, and severity.
Acetaminophen pain medications in lower doses are comparatively safe for liver disease patients. However, strict consultation is necessary before consumption.
Using Acetaminophen medications occasionally has less impact on the kidney. However, stronger medications might require dosage adjustment based on the pain severity.
Medications such as Acetaminophen have lower risks of health diseases. However, prior consultation from a health expert is mandatory in case of severe pain symptoms.
According to the American Geriatrics Society (AGS), Acetaminophen pain medication is the first line of treatment for mild to moderate pain conditions in the elderly.
Remedy Counter provides no medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. All of the website's content, including cited clinical and scientific research data, is accessible solely for educational and informational purposes. Our team of professionals works tirelessly to ensure that all information on our website has been meticulously researched and is accessible to our readers. The data provided on Remedy Counter adheres to national and international guidelines for medical and clinical trials. Before taking any of the medications on our website, we advise everyone to consult with a doctor.
