Pain killers are what type of drug

Over-the-counter OTC medicines are good for many types of pain. If OTC medicines don't relieve your pain, your doctor may prescribe something stronger. The most powerful pain relievers are opioids. They are very effective, but they can sometimes have serious side effects. There is also a risk of addiction. Because of the risks, you must use them only under a doctor's supervision. There are many things you can do to help ease pain. Paracetamol is the recommended alternative in pregnancy.

Find out more about ibuprofen. It produces the same kind of side effects as other NSAIDs, but is not as effective as a painkiller, which means it's not usually prescribed for pain. Never give aspirin to a child younger than 16 unless their doctor prescribes it. There's a possible link between aspirin and Reye's syndrome in children.

Codeine does not work very well on its own. It works better when combined with paracetamol in a single pill. You can buy co-codamol paracetamol and low-dose codeine over the counter. Higher-dose codeine has to be prescribed.

It's not recommended to take codeine or other medium-strength prescribed painkillers on a long-term basis as this could lead to you becoming dependent on them. This could then make it difficult for you to stop taking them. If you're worried that you may have become dependent on painkillers, contact your GP or another healthcare professional for advice.

Effervescent painkillers are high in salt, containing up to 1g per tablet. Too much salt can raise your blood pressure, which puts you at increased risk of health problems like heart disease and stroke.

When any of these drugs are prescribed to you or a family member for any reason, be aware that they are opioids and should be taken as directed and only when needed. Contact us or find a patient care location. Privacy Statement. Non-Discrimination Notice.

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