How do painkillers work?
What are Painkillers for ? Apart from pain relief, some painkillers (analgesics) have other effects that may be useful in particular conditions. Aspirin also reduces inflammation and fever. Paracetamol has similar painkilling qualities and can reduce fever. However, it does not reduce inflammation. Painkillers belong to different groups. Non-narcotic analgesics include aspirin, paracetamol and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs – for example; ibuprofen, diclofenac, naproxen, indomethacin). They are useful for everyday aches and pains, such as headaches and joint and muscle pain. Other anti-inflammation drugs are discussed in another leaflet. Opioid analgesics are also called narcotic analgesics. They include codeine, morphine, dihydrocodeine and pethidine and tramadol. They are useful for moderately severe pain (e.g. after operations, serious injury or disease). A weak analgesic called dextropropoxyphene is also in this group, and is often combined with other analgesics. Com
