There are some pain medications that are available without a prescription that are used to manage minor aches and pains. It is important to note that pain is an indication of another condition and there are various causes. Nevertheless, consulting a doctor is not needed to obtain a pain medication. There are various medications that are available over-the-counter from pharmacies.
The type of medication suitable usually depends on the type of pain the individual experiences.
Pain medications for mild to moderate pain
For mild to moderate pain including muscle or rheumatic pain, backache, strains or sprains, nerve pain, sore throat, migraine, headache and toothache, they can be alleviated using an oral over-the-counter pain medication.
You can purchase paracetamol, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen, aspirin or naproxen as well as codeine or a combination of these. The NSAIDs minimize both pain and inflammation which makes them suitable for joint, muscle or back pain.
The drawback is that they are not suitable for those who have stomach ulcers or a severe liver, heart or kidney issue. Remember that aspirin is not suitable for children below 16 years old.
The opioids such as codeine must not be used longer than 3 days since it puts an individual at risk for developing addiction.
How to deal with pain among children
Majority of pain medications taken by adults are not suitable for children. It is vital to use the child-specific drugs to alleviate the pain among children. Carefully follow the instructions given by the doctor.
General pain
Ibuprofen and paracetamol are suitable for children. These medications are often utilized to alleviate earache, headache, sore throat and teething pain. In addition, they also reduce the temperature and reduce the discomfort of fever.
- Paracetamol
- Ibuprofen
Local anesthetics
These are utilized for numbing the skin to avoid pain once a needle is inserted into the skin such as during an injection or when providing a blood sample.
- Lidocaine
- Prilocaine
- Tetracaine
Migraine
A migraine is an intense headache that is often linked with other symptoms such as vomiting, nausea, visual disturbances and heightened sensitivity to sounds or light. Some specific medications for migraine can be purchased from a pharmacy such as the following:
- Sumatriptan
- Paracetamol
- Codeine
Heat treatments
The topical heat treatments work by producing a heat sensation over an area in which it is applied. It works by distracting the individual from the pain felt in the joints and muscles as well as soothe the pain. These treatments usually include the following:
- Menthol
- Camphor
- Methyl salicylate
- Capsicum