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Pains of various origins can effectively hinder everyday functioning. Anti-inflammatory and pain relieving drugs are often the last resort in dealing with sudden pain caused by many ailments. Which one to choose for a specific type of pain?
Anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs – types
The best over-the-counter painkillers available at the pharmacy in their composition include: paracetamol, ibuprofen, acetylsalicylic acid, metamizole, naproxen, dexketoprofen, diclofenac.
When choosing anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs, it is also extremely important to identify the location of the pain and its source. In this case, you can choose:
- ointment or gel,
- capsules or tablets,
- suppositories,
- agents for dissolving in sachets or granules,
- warming or cooling slices.
Anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs fight ailments of various etiologies. They are most often used to fight headaches, sinuses, teeth, spine, menstrual pains, muscle pains, as well as fighting colds and flu.
If you do not want to use medications, try herbal preparations, such as Pukka Turmeric Gold – turmeric tea that supports the body in the fight against inflammation.
Anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs – groups
The main task of anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs is to stop the active cyclooxygenase, which is responsible in the body for pain sensation, prostaglandin production and inflammation. The action of painkillers is closely related to the active substance in the preparation.
The first group is drugs containing paracetamolwhich, as an active substance, reduces the sensitivity of pain receptors, and also inhibits the process of prostaglandin synthesis.
The second group is non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs – NSAIDs – containing e.g. naproxen, ibuprofen or acetylsalicylic acid. Unlike paracetamol, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, apart from their typical analgesic effect, also have antipyretic and anti-inflammatory properties. Their multiplicity of applications has made them the most popular group of painkillers.
Anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs are mostly non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs – NSAIDs. The group of these drugs consists of heterogeneous anti-inflammatory, antipyretic and analgesic drugs. Their action was explained in 1971 by John Vane, who described it as inhibition of prostaglandin cyclooxygenase – COX.
Then, in 1992, Simmonds described two isoforms of cyclooxygenase. The COX-1 isform is permanently present in the human body, and in the inflammatory process the body begins to produce COX-2. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs inhibit the activity of cyclooxygenase.
NSAIDs can be classified as non-selective and selective. Non-selective NSAIDs inhibit both COX-1 and COX-2. These are, for example, ibuprofen, ketoprofen and diclofenac. Selective ones, on the other hand, mainly inhibit COX-2 and they are coxibs.
- Also see the history of pain medications – from opium to ibuprofen
Anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs – a choice
Before using any medications, including those without a prescription, be sure to read the leaflet.
Paracetamol causes fewer side effects than non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, so it can also be used in pregnant and lactating women and infants up to 3 months of age.
Many NSAIDs can interact with other medications, e.g., to lower blood pressure, medications for diabetes, and anti-coagulant medications. The main contraindication is hypersensitivity to substances contained in painkillers, which may cause, for example, allergies, rhinitis, nausea. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs should also be avoided by people suffering from gastric or duodenal ulcer disease.
The choice of anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs should be closely related to the symptomswe want to fight. Not all medications will be appropriate for all types of pain. Medicines containing paracetamol will work best for headaches, muscles, joints, teeth and neuralgia. NSAID medications will be better at fighting fever, inflammation, swelling, and various types of pain.
In pharmacies, you can now find anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs that contain a combination of several active substances, which makes them the most effective in many cases. However, it should be remembered that all painkillers, including those without a prescription, should not be used for a long time without medical supervision. It may be associated with numerous side effects that do not positively affect the functioning of the entire body.
When we are not sure the source and cause of pain, we should consult a doctor who will help in choosing the best anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs that will help you quickly fight unpleasant symptoms.
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