Painkillers for Temporary Pain Relief

Painkillers, also known as analgesics, are medications used to relieve pain. They work by interfering with the pain signals to the brain, providing temporary relief from discomfort.
Category
Medication
Where to get
Available over-the-counter in pharmacies for minor pain relief. Stronger painkillers may require a prescription.
Applicable for
Prepared by Shruti Sahoo, reviewed by Dr. Eugene Smith

Painkillers FAQ

What are painkillers used for?

Painkillers are medicines that are used to treat pain. There are a large number of painkillers available and they all come in various different brand names. They can be taken: By mouth as liquids, tablets, or capsules. By injection. Via the back passage (rectum) as suppositories.

What are the different types of painkillers?

There are a large number of painkillers available and they all come in various different brand names. They can be taken: By mouth as liquids, tablets, or capsules. By injection. Via the back passage (rectum) as suppositories. Some painkillers are also available as creams, ointments, gels or patches.

How do painkillers work?

Painkillers work by tackling different parts of these pathways. Not every painkiller works for every type of pain, however. Because of the multitude and redundancy of pain pathways, a perfect painkiller is elusive. But in the meantime, understanding how existing painkillers work helps medical providers and patients use them for the best results.

How many types of painkillers are there?

There are three main types of painkiller: non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), paracetamol and opioids. Each works in a different way. Most people only need to take painkillers for a few days or weeks at most, but some people need to take them for a long time.

Which painkillers are best for pain relief?

The popular brand-name options — like Advil, Tylenol, or Aleve — can all be effective at relieving this pain. However, some painkillers may be a better fit for you than others, and all of them have specific instructions that must be followed carefully in order to be taken safely.

Painkillers References

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