Pain Relievers: Types, Effectiveness, and When to Use Them

We all experience pain at some point in our lives—whether it’s a mild headache, sore muscles after a workout, or chronic pain that affects our quality of life. Pain is a natural warning signal, but sometimes it becomes an unbearable burden. That’s where pain relievers come in. These medications vary in their mechanisms of action, effectiveness, and risks. So how do you choose the right one? And when is their use truly necessary? Continue reading this article to learn more about pain relievers, their types, and the proper time to use them.

The Role of Pain Relievers in Easing Pain and Improving Quality of Life

Pain relievers are essential medications used to alleviate pain and improve quality of life—whether in acute or chronic conditions. Unlike anesthetics, which block sensation or consciousness, pain relievers reduce the perception of pain without affecting awareness or cognitive function.

They are used in a wide range of situations, including:

• Post-surgical pain.

• Injuries such as fractures.

• Sudden short-term pain, like ankle sprains or headaches.

• General pain, such as menstrual cramps or muscle aches.

• Chronic pain from conditions like arthritis, cancer, or back pain.

Whether prescribed or available over-the-counter, pain relievers help control discomfort and enhance daily comfort. Because of their potency, it is generally advised to start with the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible duration, with adjustments made under medical supervision if needed.

How Do Pain Relievers Work?

Pain relievers work through different mechanisms depending on their type. Some target the source of pain by reducing inflammation or swelling, while others act on the nervous system by disrupting the transmission of pain signals from the body to the brain, thus reducing the sensation of pain.

In some cases, medications combine multiple mechanisms to enhance pain relief—for example, combining an anti-inflammatory drug with one that affects nerve signaling.

It is crucial to use pain relievers as directed by a healthcare provider and be aware of possible interactions with other medications or supplements, as well as potential side effects, to ensure safe and effective use.

When Is It Necessary to Use Pain Relievers?

The decision to use pain relievers depends on several factors, including the type and severity of pain, the patient’s overall health, and their tolerance to potential side effects. Here’s a general guide:

• For mild to moderate pain without inflammation, paracetamol (acetaminophen) is often recommended due to its effectiveness and safety profile in most cases.

• For pain with inflammation, such as in arthritis or muscle injuries, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen may be used, as they reduce both pain and inflammation. However, they may not be suitable for people with a history of stomach ulcers or kidney issues—in such cases, paracetamol may be a safer, though sometimes less effective, alternative.

• For severe pain, or when other pain relievers fail, a doctor may prescribe weak opioids. Stronger opioids are typically reserved for post-surgical pain, severe injuries, or cancer-related pain.

• For soft tissue and muscle pain, such as sprains or bruises, topical pain relievers in the form of creams or gels containing anti-inflammatory agents may be used to target specific areas.

Types of Pain Relievers

Pain relievers vary depending on the nature and cause of the pain, as well as individual response. They are generally divided into two main categories: those available over-the-counter (OTC) and those that require a prescription.

1. Over-the-Counter (OTC) Pain Relievers

These are used for mild to moderate pain and include:

• Paracetamol (Acetaminophen): Reduces pain and may also lower fever.

• NSAIDs: Such as ibuprofen, aspirin, naproxen, and diclofenac, which reduce inflammation and pain.

2. Prescription Pain Relievers

These are used for moderate to severe or chronic pain and may include:

• Opioids: Such as codeine, morphine, oxycodone, and methadone, which alter how the brain perceives pain. They are used to treat pain after surgery or after injury.

• Antidepressants: Such as amitriptyline and duloxetine, often used for chronic nerve-related pain.

• Anticonvulsants: Such as pregabalin, gabapentin, and carbamazepine, used to relieve nerve pain.

• Other medications: Such as muscle relaxants or corticosteroids, used to treat specific underlying causes of pain.

The Best Pain Relievers for Different Conditions

Pain relievers vary depending on the type of condition. Below are the most commonly used painkillers for different types of pain:

Toothache Pain Relievers

The effectiveness of toothache pain relievers depends on the active ingredient used, and they generally fall under the following categories:

• Ibuprofen: A nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that reduces pain and inflammation; considered effective for moderate to severe toothaches.

• Diclofenac Potassium: A fast-acting and potent NSAID used in effervescent or suppository form for acute pain relief.

• Paracetamol (Acetaminophen): A safe analgesic and antipyretic used for mild to moderate pain, especially when NSAIDs are not preferred.

Top medications for toothache pain:

Brufen 400 mg – 30 Tablets

Active ingredient: Ibuprofen 400 mg (NSAID).
Effectiveness: Provides relief for dental pain.
Precautions: May cause stomach upset, increased blood pressure, or kidney problems with prolonged use.
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Advil 200 mg – 24 Tablets

Active ingredient: Ibuprofen 200 mg.
Use: Relieves tooth pain.
Precautions: Do not exceed 1200–3200 mg per day; best taken with food to reduce gastric irritation.
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Panadol Extra – 24 Tablets

Ingredients: Paracetamol 500 mg + Caffeine 65 mg.
Use: Provides fast-acting relief (≈10 minutes) for mild to moderate pain.
Precautions: Use cautiously in liver conditions.
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Adol 500 mg – 24 Capsules

Active ingredient: Paracetamol 500 mg.
Use: Analgesic for toothache and antipyretic.
Precautions: Safe at recommended dose; use cautiously in liver disease.
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Oflam – Oral Granules 50 mg – 10 Sachets

Active ingredient: Fast-absorbing Diclofenac Potassium.
Use: Effective for tooth and gum pain, especially post-extraction or inflammation.
Instructions: Dissolve in water and take with food to reduce stomach upset.
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Headache and Migraine Pain Relievers

Imigran 50 mg

• Generic name: Sumatriptan.

• Use: Treats acute migraine attacks; not for prevention or other types of headache.

• Mechanism: A "triptan" that narrows blood vessels in the brain and reduces migraine-related nerve inflammation.

• Common dose: 1 - 2 tablets per day or according to doctor’s directions.

• Warnings: Not for heart disease or circulatory disorders.

Relpax 40 mg

• Generic name: Eletriptan.

• Use: Treats acute migraine attacks, with or without aura.

• Mechanism: A triptan that works on serotonin receptors to reduce vascular dilation.

• Common dose:One tablet daily. If the headache does not improve, do not take another tablet during the same attack. You must wait at least two hours before taking another tablet, and no more than two tablets are allowed per day.

• Features: Rapid absorption; may help patients unresponsive to sumatriptan.

• Warnings: Use with caution in patients with heart disease.

Brufen 400 mg

• Generic name: Ibuprofen.

• Use: Relieves general headache, tension headache, and mild to moderate migraine.

• Mechanism: An NSAID that inhibits prostaglandins causing pain and inflammation.

• Common dose: 400 mg every 4–6 hours as needed (max 1200–3200 mg/day per medical advice).

• Features: Over-the-counter and effective as a general analgesic.

• Warnings: May cause stomach issues; use cautiously in ulcer or kidney problems.

Muscle and Joint Pain Relievers

Diclogesic 1% Gel – 30g

• Active ingredient: Diclofenac Sodium 1%.

• Use: A topical NSAID for pain and inflammation in joints, sprains, or back pain.

• Effectiveness: Absorbs through the skin to reduce local inflammation with minimal systemic effects.

Avalon Active Muscle Relief Cream – 100 ml

• Active ingredients: Camphor oil, Menthol, Methyl Salicylate.

• Use: A topical cream that stimulates circulation with a cooling-then-warming effect, relieving muscle soreness or minor injuries.

Arthriflex Cream – 100g

• Active ingredients: Camphor, Menthol.

• Use: Alleviates joint pain caused by inflammation or osteoarthritis. Glucosamine and chondroitin are believed to support cartilage health and joint movement.

Cloven Cream Gel – 50g

• Active ingredient: Diclofenac Diethylamine.

• Use: A topical anti-inflammatory for muscle and joint pain from sports injuries, rheumatism, or tendonitis.

Brufenal XP – 20 tablets

• Active ingredient: Ibuprofen.

• Use: Oral NSAID for pain and inflammation in joints, rheumatoid arthritis, or muscle aches.

• Features: Commonly used for moderate pain.

Menstrual Pain Relievers

Sapofen 400 mg – 20 tablets

• Active ingredient: Ibuprofen.

• Function: NSAID that reduces pain and inflammation.

• Use: Effective for moderate to severe menstrual cramps by inhibiting prostaglandins causing uterine contractions.

• Warnings: Use cautiously in stomach ulcers or kidney issues.

Brufen 400 mg – 30 tablets

• Active ingredient: Ibuprofen.

• Function: Same as Sapofen; Brufen is one of the most widely used options for menstrual pain.

• Use: Helps relieve cramps and lower abdominal pain when taken regularly during early menstruation days.

• Warnings: Avoid taking on an empty stomach to reduce gastric irritation.

Amidol – 24 tablets

• Active ingredients:

• Paracetamol: Pain reliever and antipyretic.

• Caffeine: Enhances paracetamol’s effect and reduces fatigue.

• Use: Used for mild to moderate pain.

• Warnings: Do not combine with other paracetamol-containing products to avoid overdose.

Side Effects of Painkillers

Painkillers can be essential in managing certain chronic health conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis. However, long-term use or high doses may lead to side effects and health complications, including:

• Liver or kidney damage.

• Digestive issues such as diarrhea, constipation, or stomach ulcers.

• Heart problems and difficulty with blood clotting, which may lead to severe bleeding.

• Nausea and heartburn.

• Ringing in the ears or hearing loss.

• Severe allergic reactions or hypersensitivity.

Opioid painkillers are among the most concerning types, as they are associated with serious side effects, including:

• Life-threatening breathing problems.

• Risk of physical dependence and addiction.

• Tolerance, requiring higher doses over time.

• Difficulty stopping the medication despite its harms.

• Social withdrawal.

• Withdrawal symptoms when stopping suddenly.

Over time, these medications may become less effective, leading some individuals to increase the dose—raising the risk of addiction and complications. Therefore, it’s crucial to consult a doctor or pharmacist if any side effects appear and never change the dose or stop the medication without medical supervision.

Non-drug approaches to chronic pain management, such as physical therapy or relaxation techniques, are also recommended based on the treating physician’s advice.

Tips for Using Painkillers Safely

Here are some important tips and guidelines to ensure safe and effective use of painkillers:

• Always consult your doctor: Inform your doctor about all medications you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs and herbal supplements, as drug interactions may affect the safety of painkillers.

• Follow instructions carefully: Use painkillers only as prescribed, in the exact dosage and duration recommended by your doctor or pharmacist. Never change the dose or stop the medication on your own.

• Avoid sharing medications: Never take medications prescribed for someone else, and don’t give yours to others. The right medication choice depends on each person’s individual health condition.

• Monitor for side effects: If the painkiller is not relieving your pain, or if you experience unpleasant side effects, talk to your doctor right away.

• Store medications safely: Keep painkillers out of reach of children and return any unused medication to the pharmacy for safe disposal.

• Be cautious in special situations:

• Certain health conditions—such as stomach ulcers, hemophilia, heart disease, kidney, or liver problems—require avoiding specific painkillers like NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs).

• If you have chronic illnesses like asthma or inflammatory bowel disease, consult your doctor before taking any pain reliever.

• Older adults may be more sensitive to side effects due to using multiple medications, so extra caution is needed.

• During pregnancy or breastfeeding, paracetamol is generally the safest option, while ibuprofen should be avoided unless recommended by a doctor.

• Read the medication leaflet: Always read the accompanying leaflet to understand usage and precautions. If in doubt, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Using painkillers mindfully and cautiously helps relieve pain without causing additional health problems.

When Should You See a Doctor?

You should consult a doctor in the following cases:

• If you’re using over-the-counter painkillers for temporary pain but the pain persists, worsens, or you’re unsure how to manage it at home.

• If medications fail to control the pain or you develop side effects.

• If you’re concerned about becoming addicted—or suspect someone else is misusing painkillers—seek medical advice or encourage them to get help.

Seek immediate medical care if you experience serious symptoms after taking painkillers, such as:

• Allergic reactions (e.g., rash, swelling).

• Black stools, vomiting blood, or material that looks like coffee grounds.

• Vision or hearing changes.

• Severe headache or intense abdominal pain.

• Difficulty urinating or changes in urine color.

• Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice).

• Unusual weight gain.

Using painkillers with awareness and proper medical guidance ensures effective pain relief and minimizes health risks.