Painkillers are used to relieve pain due to various conditions, from illness, injury or injury, to surgery. There are various types of this drug and each type has different effectiveness, way of working, and side effects.
There are painkillers or pain relievers that can be purchased over-the-counter without a doctor's prescription, but there are also those that must be used according to a prescription and doctor's instructions.
Therefore, before taking painkillers, you should consult with your doctor first so that the drug can be used properly according to the dose and health problems you are experiencing.
Freely Purchased Types of Painkiller
Painkillers that can be purchased over the counter generally include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs. The following are some types of painkillers that you can buy without a prescription:
1. Paracetamol
Paracetamol is the most commonly used drug to relieve various pain complaints, such as menstrual pain, muscle and joint pain, headaches, and toothaches. This drug, which is also often used as a fever reliever, is considered safe for use by children as well as pregnant and lactating women.
Paracetamol is available in the form of tablets and syrup to take by mouth, suppositories that are given through the anus, as well as fluids that are given by injection or infusion.
This pain reliever can generally be used as a painkiller in the short term. If your pain does not improve or gets worse after taking paracetamol, you should consult a doctor.
2. Ibuprofen
Ibuprofen is also a painkiller drug that is quite often used. Similar to paracetamol, this drug can also treat fever. In addition, ibuprofen is also often used to treat pain and inflammation, such as arthritis, toothache, and menstrual pain.
To treat pain, inflammation, and fever, ibuprofen can be used by adults and children. However, this drug is not recommended to be taken for a long time, unless according to a prescription or doctor's advice.
This is because ibuprofen can cause side effects in the form of stomach ulcers, bleeding, abdominal pain, impaired kidney and liver function, and heart problems.
3. Mefenamic acid
Mefenamic acid or mefenamic acid is a type of painkiller that can relieve pain due to various conditions, such as toothache, headache, and menstrual pain.
If you want to use mefenamic acid for pain relief, it should be used as directed by your doctor and for no more than 7 days. This is to avoid possible side effects, such as heartburn, nausea, diarrhea, and stomach ulcers.
4. Aspirin
Aspirin is a type of painkiller in the NSAID class of drugs that can relieve fever and reduce pain due to inflammation. In addition, aspirin can also be used as a blood thinner to prevent blood clots.
This drug can be taken by adults, but is not recommended for use in children because of the risk of side effects, namely Reye's syndrome. In addition, long-term use of aspirin can also cause side effects in the form of stomach disorders.
Types of Painkillers to Get with a Doctor's Prescription
Painkillers that are only obtained with a doctor's prescription are generally types of drugs to treat moderate to severe pain. The following are some types of painkillers that are only obtained and used according to a doctor's prescription:
1. Ketorolac
Ketorolac is a powerful painkiller that can be used to treat severe pain, as well as prevent and treat postoperative pain.
This type of painkiller is available in the form of tablets or liquids that are given by injection or infusion. Ketorolac can only be used in the short term, which is no more than 5 days.
When used long term, this drug can cause side effects in the form of stomach bleeding, bleeding disorders, and heart problems.
2. Celecoxib
This medication can be used to treat mild to moderate pain, such as joint pain, muscle aches, headaches, and menstrual pain. Celecoxib works by inhibiting the formation of prostaglandins which can trigger pain in the body.
This drug can be used in the short term or long term according to the doctor's prescription and instructions. However, celecoxib can cause side effects such as increased blood pressure, headaches, and heartburn.
3. Ketoprofen
Ketoprofen is usually used in people who are not suitable or have allergies to other types of pain relievers. Ketoprofen can be used to treat joint pain, headaches, toothache, and menstrual pain.
Although generally safe for consumption, ketoprofen can sometimes cause side effects such as increased blood pressure, nausea, stomach pain, and headaches.
4. Opioids
Opioids are the most powerful painkillers and are usually used to treat severe pain, such as postoperative pain or in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.
Various types of opioids, including fentanyl and morphine, are also often used as anesthetics in patients undergoing surgery.
How to consume Painkiller
To keep painkillers safe and effective when used, follow these tips:
- Read the instructions for using painkiller drugs listed on the product packaging or according to a doctor's prescription.
- If you are taking other medicines or certain supplements, consult your doctor first to avoid drug interactions.
- Be aware of the side effects of painkillers that can occur, such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, impaired liver or kidney function, bleeding, allergic reactions and heart problems. If you experience certain complaints or symptoms after taking painkillers, stop using the drug immediately and consult a doctor.
- If the doctor prescribes one type of painkiller to be consumed for a certain period of time, do not stop it without the doctor's instructions even though your symptoms have improved.
The use of painkillers can help you relieve pain due to certain diseases or conditions. However, you are not advised to use this drug carelessly or without a doctor's instructions, especially for the type of painkiller that can only be obtained with a doctor's prescription.
If you still have questions about the benefits of painkillers and their side effects or are confused about choosing the type of painkiller that suits your condition, consult your doctor.