Pain is an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience that signals damage or danger to the body. It can have different causes, severity and nature. Fortunately, there are many medications that can effectively relieve pain and improve quality of life.
Types of painkillers
Analgesics can be divided into several groups, depending on the mechanism of action and the strength of the analgesic effect:
- Peripheral analgesics:
- Acetaminophen: It has analgesic and antipyretic properties, but does not have anti-inflammatory properties. It is used for mild to moderate pain, such as headaches, toothaches, muscle pain, joint pain, and fever.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): Ibuprofen, naproxen, diclofenac, ketoprofen. They have analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic effects. They are used for pains of varying severity, including menstrual pain, post-traumatic pain, rheumatic pain and inflammation.
Combination drugs: Combination of paracetamol with NSAIDs or other substances, e.g. caffeine, codeine. They increase analgesic efficacy and expand the range of indications.
Centrally acting analgesics:
- Opioids: Morphine, fentanyl, tramadol. They act on opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord, inhibiting pain conduction. They are used for high-intensity pain, such as cancer, post-surgical and traumatic pain.
Effect of painkillers
Painkillers work in different ways, depending on their mechanism of action:
- Paracetamol: Inhibits prostaglandin synthesis in the central nervous system, which reduces pain sensation and lowers body temperature.
- NSAIDS: Inhibit prostaglandin synthesis in peripheral tissues, which reduces inflammation, pain and swelling.
- Opioids: They bind to opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord, inhibiting pain conduction and inducing feelings of euphoria.
Indications and contraindications
Pain medications are used to treat pain of varying severity and origin:
- Headaches: Migraine, tension headaches, sinus pain.
- Toothache: After dental procedures, pulpitis.
- Muscle and joint pain: Contusions, sprains, strains, rheumatic pains.
- Menstrual pain: Primary and secondary painful menstruation.
- Postoperative pain: After surgical procedures.
- Cancer pain: chronic pain associated with cancer.
Contraindications to the use of painkillers depend on the type of drug and the patient’s condition. Caution should be exercised in the case of:
- Liver and kidney diseases: Paracetamol, NSAIDs.
- Peptic ulcer disease: NSAIDs.
- Bronchial asthma: NSAIDs (especially aspirin).
- Pregnancy and lactation: consult your doctor before taking any painkiller.
- Hypersensitivity to the drug: Any drug can cause an allergic reaction.
Principles of safe use of painkillers
In order for painkillers to be effective and safe, several rules must be followed:
- Use the drug as prescribed by your doctor or pharmacist: Do not exceed the recommended dose or duration of treatment.
- If there is no improvement or the pain worsens, consult a doctor: This may indicate a more serious cause of the pain.
- Do not use painkillers for a long time without consulting your doctor: Long-term use, especially of NSAIDs, can lead to side effects such as liver, kidney or stomach damage.
- Do not combine different pain medications without consulting your doctor: This may increase the risk of side effects.
- Inform your doctor about all medications you are taking: Some medications may interact with painkillers.
- Keep medications out of reach of children: Pain medications, especially in large doses, can be toxic.
Summary
Pain medications are an important tool in pain management. Different types of drugs are available, which differ in mechanism of action, strength of analgesic effect and indications. It is important to use painkillers as prescribed by your doctor or pharmacist and to follow the rules for safe use. If in doubt, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
