How do painkillers work and which painkillers can be effective for which pain?

 

How do painkillers work and which painkillers can be effective for which pain?

How do you determine which medication to take for a headache and which for a stomach or backache?

Paracetamol, ibuprofen, and aspirin are available in the market in different branding and packaging. But it is important to know which of these drugs do what.

Some pain relievers come in tablet, capsule, or syrup form. And yes, on the packaging of some, it is written that they will provide 'fast relief'. But are these claims true?

According to Dr. Mary June McLeod, Senior Lecturer in Clinical Pharmacology at the University of Aberdeen, pain is caused by stress on nerve endings. These triggers are caused by either inflammation or the release of prostaglandins. Prostaglandin-like functions of fats act like hormones.

According to him, all painkillers or painkillers either act on inflammation or control the release of prostaglandins. But the way these drugs work is slightly different. The most common pain reliever is paracetamol. It is considered best for mild pain.

"It works on the part of the brain that's responsible for reducing fever, as well as relaxing the nerve endings by reducing the production of prostaglandins," says Dr McLeod.

However, paracetamol does not work as effectively as aspirin and ibuprofen on muscle inflammation, for example in sprained ankles or menstrual cramps. But all three of these drugs are classified as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

You may be able to get relief from severe pain if you use paracetamol with ibuprofen or aspirin. But a special consideration of quantity is necessary in this regard. Two medicines should not contain paracetamol. Taking too much paracetamol in one dose can be harmful.

When buying painkillers or painkillers, people usually consider the price. Apart from this, what medicine the parents have been taking to deal with minor pains in our homes also affects our mindset. We also usually take the same medicines for headaches or sore throats that our elders used to take.

There are many types of pen colors available in the market. Their packaging and the reputation of the company that makes them also determine what they will cost. Many are labeled as fast-acting pain relievers, usually contain caffeine, and sometimes cost six to seven times as much.

Whether the painkiller is in pill form, capsule, or syrup, determines how quickly it will take effect.

A tablet or pill takes longer to be absorbed into the body. While syrups (liquid medicines) are absorbed quickly, they are also effective quickly. While the capsule falls between the two in terms of absorption time.

These drugs themselves are not as effective in combating pain as they are thought to be. Paracetamol itself actually only provides thirty to forty percent pain relief. But when caffeine is added to it, it helps reduce pain by another ten percent.

Dr. Andrew Moore, a biochemist who has been researching painkillers for years, advises that adding at least 100 milligrams of caffeine to the drug ensures a further ten percent reduction in pain.

Painkillers that usually come with caffeine are also a bit expensive. If you prefer, you can take regular paracetamol with a cup of coffee instead of buying them. It is just as effective as taking caffeinated paracetamol.

Aspirin is about 25 to 30 percent effective against pain, while ibuprofen is 50 to 60 percent effective in reducing pain.

What are the different types of painkillers to take for headaches, knee pain, or period pain? Many companies sell painkillers by writing on their packaging about which pain relievers they have a specific rationale for. But there is no evidence yet that any particular type of painkiller is more effective at reducing any particular type of pain.

"I don't know if there are any scientific facts behind these claims," says Dr. Moore.

But at the same time, he advises, "If you find that a certain type of painkiller works best for you, that's great." Because after all, this is what the person wants to get rid of the pain. And that is all we should be interested in.

But in the end, the same thing is to avoid self-medication for any of your ailments and consult your doctor in case of any medical problem, inform them about your condition so that they can treat your illness or health. Depending on the situation, they can prescribe medicine for you.