Pain Relief Medications Guide
Pain medications (analgesics) are among the most commonly used medicines in India. Understanding how to use them safely can prevent side effects and ensure effectiveness. At Dashvanth Healthcare Delhi’s 24×7 pharmacy, our pharmacists guide patients on safe analgesic use.
Paracetamol (Acetaminophen/Crocin/Calpol)
- Uses: Fever, mild-moderate pain (headache, tooth pain, body ache)
- Adult dose: 500–1000 mg every 4–6 hours, maximum 4 grams/day
- Children: 15 mg/kg every 4–6 hours
- Safest analgesic – preferred in pregnancy, elderly, kidney disease
- Caution: Liver toxicity with overdose or chronic alcohol use
NSAIDs (Ibuprofen/Brufen, Diclofenac/Voveran, Naproxen)
- Uses: Pain and inflammation – arthritis, muscle pain, period pain, dental pain, fever
- Ibuprofen dose: 200–400 mg every 4–6 hours (max 1200 mg/day OTC)
- More effective than paracetamol for inflammatory pain
Who Should Avoid NSAIDs
- History of peptic ulcer (take with a PPI like omeprazole)
- Kidney disease
- Heart failure
- Pregnancy (especially after 30 weeks)
- Dengue fever (risk of bleeding – use paracetamol only)
- Elderly patients (increased GI and kidney side effects)
Tramadol
Opioid analgesic for moderate-severe pain. Prescription only. Risk of dependence and sedation. Not for routine pain management.
Topical Analgesics
- Diclofenac gel (Voveran gel): Excellent for localised joint and muscle pain with minimal systemic side effects
- Combiflam gel, Volini spray
When to See a Doctor
- Pain not responding to OTC analgesics
- Need analgesics daily for more than 2 weeks
- Pain with fever, swelling, or neurological symptoms
24×7 pharmacy with expert advice at Dashvanth Healthcare Delhi: 011-41670042.
