Pain Relievers

Pain relievers (analgesics) are among the most-used medicines worldwide. The three main over-the-counter groups — paracetamol, NSAIDs, and combination products — each have different uses, risks and cautions. This page is a general guide; ask a Health Expert if pain is severe or unusual.

Paracetamol (acetaminophen)

• First-choice for most mild-to-moderate pain and fever.
• Safer on the stomach and kidneys than NSAIDs; safer in children.
• Overdose damages the liver — stay within the recommended daily dose shown on the pack; avoid alcohol while taking it.
• Check combination products — many cold/flu tablets already contain it; adding separate paracetamol can accidentally double the dose.

NSAIDs (anti-inflammatory painkillers)

• Effective for pain with inflammation — arthritis, injuries, menstrual cramps, dental pain.
• Take with food to reduce stomach irritation.
• Risks: stomach ulcers and bleeding, kidney damage, higher blood pressure, and in heart-failure or chronic kidney disease they can be dangerous.
• Use at the lowest effective dose for the shortest time.
• Avoid NSAIDs in suspected dengue — they raise bleeding risk. Use paracetamol instead.
• Avoid in later pregnancy unless a Health Expert advises.

Opioids (stronger prescription painkillers)

• Reserved for severe pain (post-surgery, cancer, major injury).
• Always on prescription.
• Constipation, drowsiness, nausea are common.
• Long-term use risks dependence and tolerance — short courses only.

Practical India notes

• Many pharmacy-sold "body pain" combinations mix painkillers, caffeine and sometimes other drugs — taking them for weeks can quietly cause kidney and stomach harm.
• Never self-prescribe painkillers for more than a few days for persistent pain — see a Health Expert to find the cause.
• Topical pain gels are a low-risk alternative for localised muscle/joint pain.
• Unregulated ayurvedic "pain relief" products have been found containing hidden steroids or NSAIDs — unusually rapid relief from an unbranded product is a warning sign.