List of Painkillers
General Guideline
- Pain killers which are NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) works on the patho-physiological processes that elicit pain, fever and other signs of inflammation in the body.
- Corticosteroids pain killers are usually given for the management of musculoskeletal injuries due to its effect on shutting down inflammation causing processes.
- The pain which is triggered by any damaged or sensitive nerves (see most commonly in cases like sciatica or shingles) is usually managed by nerve blockers or anti-depressants. These tablets have the capacity to modulate the perception of pain by central nervous system.
- Some pain- killers are used as muscle relaxants to decreases the intensity of pain triggered by the muscles group. This pain killer act as sedative for central nervous system.
- Reason behind consuming medication is to improve the quality of life. It is important to realize that every pain killer is associated with some side effects in short term or long term. Therefore it is advised to learn and identify potential disadvantages before consuming any painkiller.
Following are the description of some of the pain killers:
Paracetamol
It is one of the popular pain killers available (mainly used for the management of common headaches and non nerve pains). The effective dose is 2 tablets which can be consumed at least 4 times a day (or at every 6 hrs interval). This dose and dosing regimen is considered safe for adults. There are no common side effects for this medication and this drug can be used for longer time period. However overdose of paracetamol can trigger some serious side effects; therefore it is highly recommended not to increase the dosage if the intensity of pain increases. If pain symptoms fail to resolve within three days, consult the general physician.
Ibuprofen
This drug is a type of NSAIDs i.e. non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs. It works best on inflammation causing substances in a same way it is used for treating arthritis or any injury. This drug is not allowed to be used for longer time periods unless the inflammation doesn’t disappear. If this drug is consumed for longer time periods, it can lead to serious side effects like bleeding, stomach upset, heart problems and kidney problems. It is highly advised not to consume overdose of this drug as it can trigger serious consequences.
Codeine
This drug doesn’t work well alone but can give far better results when used with paracetamol in a single formulation. Over the counter drugs are available under the label of co-codamol (which is paracetamol combined with lower quantity of codeine). Higher potency of codeine should only be used on doctor’s prescription. Some other painkillers with higher potency include Zydol (tramadol) and dihydrocodeine.
Drugs under this category are considered as habit-forming or addictive. The reason behind is these drugs makes a person feel unwell for a short time period when stop consuming. If for any particular reason this drug is consumed for longer time period then consult your general physician for advice.
Amitriptyline and Gabapentin
Gabapentin is the drug used for treating epilepsy and amitriptyline medication and is used for treating depression. Both of the drugs are also given to patients for treating pain triggered by damaged or hyper-sensitive nerves which includes sciatica, shingles or nerve pain caused by diabetes. This medication is consumed when prescribed by the general physician. Side effects of both the drugs include dizziness and drowsiness.
Morphine
This drug is considered as powerful and strongest pain killers available. Some other drugs fall under this category include fentanyl, buprenorphine and Oxycodone. It is advised to reserve the use of this pain killer only in severe pain. These medications are only consumed when prescribed by pain specialist or general physician as the doctor will monitor the progress on dosage potency. These drugs are usually used for long term to administer the pain.
The following table lists more OTC and prescribed painkillers:
| OTC Pain Killers | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand Name | Generic Name | Per Pill Dose | Strength | Best Uses | |
| Bufferin Bayer AnacinEcotrin | Aspirin (also classified underNSAIDs or acetylsalicylic acid) | 81 mg 325 mg | 1 | Helpful for the management of pains and minor aches | |
| Excedrin Anacin Tylenol | AcetaminophenL374 caplet | 500 mg | 2 | Treat fever, can be used instead of aspirin if a person is allergic to salicylates or aspirin, given to arthritis patients, treat rheumatism and musculo-skeletal issues | |
| Vanquish | Combination of acetaminophen and aspirin (NSAID) | 325 mg 500 mg | 2.25 | Given for the acute management of headache | |
| Nuprin AdvilMotrin | IbuprofenNSAID 44 291 tablet | 200 mg | 2.5 | Treat muscle aches and fever | |
| Naproxen Aleve | naproxen sodium(one of the very potent and powerful anti-inflammatory agents)NSAID | 220 mg | 3 | Prescribe mainly for the management of arthritis pain and inflammation. It is also effective for othermusculo-skeletal ailments | |
| Motrin 800 | Ibuprofen(effectively used as an antipyretic, and analgesic).Classified under NSAIDs | 220 mg 800 mg | 3.5 | Treat rheumatism, arthritis and musculo-skeletal issues | |
| Prescription Pain Killers | |||||
| Brand Name | Generic Name | Per Pill Dose | Strength | Best Uses | Problems Caused |
| Celebrex | Celecoxib(COX-2 inhibitor)NSAID | 100 mg 200 mg | 3.7* | Rheumatoid, osteoarthritis and other sources of acute pain in addition to menstruation pain | Moderately increase the risk of bleeding in stomach, stroke andheart attack |
| Ultram | Tramadol | 50 mg | 3.8* | Gives relief from moderate pain | Constipation, nausea, dizziness, drowsiness, headache and vomiting |
| * NOTE: when the study is conducting Ultram and Celebrex does not exist. Their scores are an estimation | |||||
| Demerol | Meperidine HCl | 50 mg 100 mg | 4 | Opiates drug and synthetic opiates drugs are considered as the most powerful pain killers, but their use is abuse as all these drugs can make a person habitual of it. Including large quantity of Tylenol (acetaminophen) with these drugs is prohibited for pharmaceutical companies and the reason behind is its overdose can totally destroys liver. NOTE:** The strength of Norco is an estimation as it does not exist while study was conducting. | |
| Lorcet | Acetaminophen and hydrocodone | 5 mg to 500 mg | 5 | ||
| Vicodin | Acetaminophen and hydrocodone | 5 mg to 500 mg | 5 | ||
| Lorcet Plus | Acetaminophen and hydrocodone | 7.5 mg to 650 mg | 5.5 | ||
| Vicodin ES | Acetaminophen and hydrocodone | 7.5 mg to 750 mg | 6 | ||
| Norco | Acetaminophen and hydrocodone-APAP | 5 mg to 325 mg10 mg to 325 mg | 6.5** | ||
| Lortab | Acetaminophen and hydrocodone | 10 mg to 500 mg | 7 | ||
| Vicodin HP | Acetaminophen and hydrocodone | 10 mg to 660 mg | 7 | ||
| Percocet | Acetaminophen and oxycodone HCl | 2.5 mg to 650 mg | 7 | Oxycodone is considered as powerful and very effective. NOTE: The strength of oxycodone is an estimation as it does not exist when study was conducted | |
| Percodan | Aspirin, oxycodone, terephthalate oxycodone HCl | 325 mg4.50 mg0.38 mg | 7 | ||
| Oxycontin 40 | Oxycodone HCl | 40 mg | 8.5 | ||
| MS Contin RMS | Morphine sulfate | 15 mg 30mg 60mg 100 mg | 9 | It is considered as the 4th most powerful drug available. | |
| Fentora DuragesicActiq | Fentanyl | Lollipop or Skin patch | 10 | The strength of fentanyl is the result of an estimate since it was not developed when study was conducted. It is a powerful substance for treating fragmentation and gunshot wounds. The overdosage is associated with serious side effects and consequences. It is highly recommended to handle fentanyl carefully as mishandling can lead to death due to respiratory depression. | |
| Palladone (caps) Dilaudid (tabs) | Hydromorphonehydrochloride | 1 mg 2 mg 3 mg 4 mg | 11 | Dilaudid is considered as more effective as compared to morphine with some serious side effects | |
