Pain is the body’s alarm system, but when that alarm won’t stop ringing, analgesics are the tools we use to silence it.
Analgesics, commonly known as painkillers, are divided into several categories based on how they interact with the nervous system—ranging from everyday over-the-counter (OTC) meds to heavy-duty prescriptions.
Here are 10 common analgesic tablets, their specific uses, and the safety profiles you should be aware of.
Paracetamol is the world’s most common painkiller. While it is excellent for reducing fever and mild pain, it has very little anti-inflammatory effect.
Primary Use: Headaches, fever, and non-inflammatory aches.
Typical Dose: 500mg to 1g every 4 to 6 hours (Max 4,000mg per 24 hours).
Common Side Effects: Rare at standard doses, but it is the leading cause of drug-induced liver damage if the maximum dose is exceeded.
An NSAID (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug) that works by blocking enzymes that produce pain-signaling chemicals called prostaglandins.
Primary Use: Inflammation-based pain like arthritis, toothaches, and menstrual cramps.
Typical Dose: 200mg to 400mg every 4 to 6 hours.
Common Side Effects: Stomach irritation, heartburn, and (with long-term use) kidney strain.
Similar to ibuprofen but with a much longer “half-life,” meaning you don’t have to take it as frequently.
Primary Use: Long-lasting relief for joint pain, backaches, and acute gout.
Typical Dose: 250mg to 500mg twice daily.
Common Side Effects: Bloating, gas, and a slightly higher risk of stomach ulcers compared to ibuprofen.
One of the oldest medications in the cabinet, it acts as a painkiller, anti-inflammatory, and blood thinner.
Primary Use: Migraines and inflammatory conditions.
Typical Dose: 300mg to 500 mg every 4 to 6 hours.
Common Side Effects: Increased bleeding/bruising and stomach upset.
Note: Aspirin should never be given to children under 16 due to the risk of Reye’s Syndrome.
A mild-to-moderate opioid often found in combination with paracetamol (known as Co-codamol).
Primary Use: Moderate pain that doesn’t respond to simpler OTC drugs.
Typical Dose: 15mg to 60mg every 4 hours.
Common Side Effects: Constipation (very common; take Senna or Lactulose if you are taking them), drowsiness, and a risk of dependency.
A synthetic opioid that works on the “mu-opioid” receptors in the brain while also affecting serotonin and norepinephrine.
Primary Use: Moderate to severe chronic pain (e.g. post-surgical or nerve pain).
Typical Dose: 50mg to 100mg every 4 to 6 hours.
Common Side Effects: Dizziness, nausea, and dry mouth. It can lower the “seizure threshold” in certain patients. Constipation can be significant. Take in short courses.
A combination tablet that uses two different pathways to block pain, often referred to as a “synergistic” effect.
Primary Use: Acute pain like severe toothache or recovery from minor injuries.
Typical Dose: 8/500mg (OTC) or 30/500mg (Prescription) up to 4 times daily.
Common Side Effects: Constipation and sedation.
Technically an anticonvulsant, but it is a “first-line” treatment for neuropathic (nerve) pain.
Primary Use: Shingles pain, diabetic neuropathy, and sciatica.
Typical Dose: Starts at 300mg daily, often titrated up to 1,800mg+ daily.
Common Side Effects: Drowsiness, “brain fog,” and swelling in the legs (oedema).
Originally an antidepressant, in very low doses, it is highly effective at “turning down the volume” on chronic pain signals.
Primary Use: Nerve pain, fibromyalgia, and migraine prevention.
Typical Dose: 10mg to 50mg at night (much lower than the dose for depression).
Common Side Effects: Dry mouth, vivid dreams, and morning grogginess.
A specialized NSAID known as a COX-2 inhibitor, designed to reduce inflammation with a lower risk of causing stomach ulcers.
Primary Use: Chronic arthritis and acute pain for people with sensitive stomachs.
Typical Dose: 100mg to 200mg once or twice daily.
Common Side Effects: Dizziness, flatulence, and potential cardiovascular risks in high-risk patients.
| Pain Type | Recommended Class | Example |
| Dull Ache / Fever | Non-opioid | Paracetamol |
| Swelling / Muscle | NSAID | Ibuprofen |
| Nerve / Burning | Neuropathic | Gabapentin |
| Severe / Post-Op | Opioid | Tramadol |
The “Alcohol Rule”: Never mix opioids (Codeine, Tramadol) or Paracetamol with alcohol. This can lead to fatal respiratory depression or acute liver failure.
The “NSAID Caution”: If you have asthma or a history of stomach ulcers, avoid ibuprofen, naproxen, and aspirin unless specifically cleared by a doctor.
Storage: Keep all painkillers, especially opioids, in a secure place. Even a single dose of a prescription painkiller can be fatal to a small child or pet.
Are you looking for a recommendation for a specific type of pain, or are you organizing a home first-aid kit?
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