10 DIFFERENT TYPES OF PAIN RELIEF MEDICATIONS
Have you ever taken pain relief medication but the pain didn't stop? Perhaps you took the wrong pain medication for the issue. There is a wide variety of pain killers and each can be more suitable for different cases. Here are 10 different types of pain medications:
Acetaminophen / Paracetamol
According to WebMD, Acetaminophen is used to treat mild to moderate pain (from headaches, menstrual periods, toothaches, backaches, osteoarthritis, or cold/flu aches and pains) and to reduce fever. Acetaminophen has more anti-fever capabilities than any other pain relief medications.
Examples include: Tylenol, Panadol
Ibuprofen
Ibuprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It is used to relieve pain & inflammation from various conditions such as headaches, dental pain, menstrual cramps, muscle aches, or arthritis, and helps to decrease swelling, pain, or fever and pain due to the common cold or flu. It is relatively more effective when addressing soft tissue & muscle aches. It has relatively more anti-inflammatory properties.
Examples include: Advil, Motrin, Buprofen, Profen
Naproxen
Naproxen is a medicine that reduces inflammation and pain in joints and muscles. It's used to treat diseases of joints, such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and gout. It's also used for period pain and muscle and bone disorders, such as back pain, sprains & strains. It works best with hard tissue, such as joints, knees, ankles etc. Examples include: Aleve, Anaprox
Aspirin
Aspirin is used to reduce fever, pain & inflammation from conditions such as muscle aches, toothaches, common cold, and headaches. Your doctor may direct you to take a low dose of aspirin to prevent, blood clots, because of its blood thinning capabilities. This effect reduces the risk of stroke, & heart attack.
Examples include: Ecotrine, Bufferin
Loratadine
Loratadine is a medicine used to relieve symptoms of allergies, such as runny nose, sneezing, or itchy eyes, nose, or throat. This medicine is also given to help redness and itching caused by hives. Examples include: Claritin, Alavert
Cetirizine
Cetirizine is an antihistamine used to relieve symptoms such as watery eyes, runny nose, itching, sneezing & hives. It works by blocking a certain natural substance that your body makes during an allergic reaction. Cetirizine does not prevent hives or prevent/treat a serious reactions (such as anaphylaxis). Examples include, Zyrtec
Lidocaine
This medication is used on the skin to stop itching and pain from certain skin conditions such as scrapes or eczema. Lidocaine is a local anaesthetic that works by causing temporary numbness/loss of feeling in the skin and mucous membranes, it is also used to decrease discomfort or pain during certain medical procedures.
Diclofenac / Votaren
Diclofenac is a medication is known as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It is used to relieve pain, swelling (inflammation), and joint stiffness caused by arthritis. Reducing these symptoms helps you do more of your normal daily activities.
Capsaicin
Is important for neuropathic (Nerve related) pain relief, and leaves a warm and burning sensation. It is idea for temporary relief of minor aches and pains of muscles and joints associated with Arthritis, simple backache, bruises, sprains and strains.
Pain relief Patches (Ice&Hot)
These patches can be used hot or cold, depending on the location, type & tolerance level. It may be used cold/Ice is recommended for muscle aches and pains, and it can be used hot for joint, knee or back pain.
At Innovarx Global Health, we have a wide variety of Over-The-Counter medications strictly sourced from the US. Order only & we’ll deliver it to you! Visit our facility anytime during business hours and a Wellness Consultant or Pharmacist can help you find the right Pain Relief medication.
Stop by any day of the week in Fatou Golden Plaza, Bertil Harding Highway or call us on +220 2866200 / 3866200
Sources include WebMD, Dr. Gerard Mengang