Tablet Pharmacy
December 17, 2025Painkiller tablet
December 17, 2025The “best” painkiller depends entirely on the type of pain you are treating and your personal medical history. No single medication is universally superior; effectiveness varies by condition.
| Medication | Best For | Key Benefits | Precautions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paracetamol (Acetaminophen) | Headaches, toothache, fever | Gentle on the stomach; first-line choice during pregnancy | Risk of liver damage if overdosed; do not mix with alcohol |
| Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) | Inflammatory pain, arthritis, muscle aches, period pain | Reduces swelling and inflammation | Can irritate the stomach; may increase heart/stroke risk with long-term use |
| Naproxen (Aleve) | Chronic pain, long-term joint or back pain | Long-lasting relief (up to 12 hours) | Stronger risk of gastrointestinal side effects than ibuprofen |
| Aspirin | Headaches, cold/flu symptoms | Often used in low doses for heart health | Never give to children under 16 due to Reye’s syndrome risk |
Specialized & Stronger Relief
- Combination Therapy: For acute short-term pain (like a severe headache or back twinge), a combination of paracetamol and ibuprofen is often highly effective.
- Topical Relief: For localized muscle or joint pain (e.g., knee arthritis), Diclofenac gels (Voltaren) or lidocaine patches provide targeted relief with fewer internal side effects.
- Migraine-Specific: Triptans like Sumatriptan or Almotriptan are designed specifically for migraine attacks if standard painkillers fail.
- Opioids: Medications like codeine, morphine, or fentanyl are the strongest painkillers but carry high risks of addiction and respiratory issues; they are strictly prescription-only.
Which should you choose?
- For a Fever or Headache: Start with paracetamol.
- For an Injury or Swelling: Use an NSAID like ibuprofen.
- For All-Day Relief: Choose naproxen for its 12-hour duration.
- If you have a sensitive stomach: Avoid NSAIDs (ibuprofen, aspirin, naproxen) and use paracetamol.
Disclaimer: Always consult a healthcare professional or pharmacist before starting a new medication, especially if you have pre-existing conditions like asthma, heart disease, or stomach ulcers.
