Types of Pain Pills

Pain pills come in many types, strengths and dosages. Analgesic, the name for pain pills, originates from the Greek words an (without) and algia (pain). Get informed on the many types of pain pills, from the over-the-counter (OTC) to prescription pain pills.

Categories of Pain Pills

Pain pills fall into three categories. There are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), opioids and paracetamol. NSAIDs and paracetamol are the mildest form of pain pills, while opioids are very strong pain pills that can render adverse side effects, even in small doses.

NSAIDs

NSAIDs are OTC pain pills that can be bought in the local marketplaces. NSAIDs include aspirin and ibuprofen. These mild forms of pain pills reduce fever and relieve pain from minor aches and stiffness. They also reduce swelling and irritation (inflammation). NSAIDs alleviate pain by causing a decrease in prostaglandins production. Prostaglandins are hormone-like substances in the body that can cause pain. Even though mild, NSAIDs used incorrectly can have severe side effects such as bleeding ulcers and sensitivity to light. It is also recommended that pregnant women do not take NSAIDs.

Paracetamol

Paracetamol, or acetaminophen, are also OTC pain pills. These two words come from the chemical name for the painkilling compound, n-acetyl-para-amniophenil and para-acetyl-amino-phenol. These pain pills reduce fever and pain, but will not reduce inflammation as NSAIDs do. A plus to paracetamol is that it will not affect the clotting ability of blood like NSAIDs do. Manufacturers of acetaminophen tablets say they pose no harm to the liver when used in correct dosage amounts. Paracetamol poisoning is always possible, but risks are higher if taken with alcohol, because the liver is overworked in trying to breakdown alcohol and paracetamol at the same time. For this reason paracetamol should never be combined with alcohol.

Opioids

Opioids are a narcotic pain pill prescribed by a doctor or other health care provider. Opioid pain pill forms include morphine, fentanyl, oxycodone, codeine, hydrocodone, hydromorphone, meperidine, opium and propoxphene. Opioids are potent in strength and are very successful in handling severe pain. They do not cause bleeding in the stomach or other parts of the body like NSAIDs can. If opioids are used for short-term pain relief, they usually pose no danger of addiction. Some possible side effects of opioids are: drowsiness, nausea, constipation, itching, breathing problems, and addiction (if taken for periods longer than needed).

Proper Use

It is important to use OTC and prescription pain pills properly. Take all pain pills in a responsible manner by heeding instructions, taking the proper recommended or prescribed dosage and not mixing pain pills with anything that would cause adverse reactions.

References

• Pain pills
• Types of pain pills