Pain treatments come in both non-prescription form
and those available only by prescription.
Pain treatments: Non-prescription
What are OTC pain medicines?
Over-the-counter (OTC) medicines are those that are available
without a prescription from a doctor. Some examples of OTC pain
relievers are acetaminophen and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory
drugs (NSAIDs). Acetaminophen products include
Tylenol®. NSAIDs include aspirin, ibuprofen
(Motrin®), ketoprofen (Orudis®KT),
and naproxen sodium (Aleve®. Some products contain
both aspirin and acetaminophen (Extra Strength Excedrin
®).
Both acetaminophen and NSAIDs reduce fever and relieve pain
caused by muscle aches and stiffness, but only NSAIDs can also
reduce inflammation (swelling and irritation).
Acetaminophen and NSAIDs also work differently. NSAIDs relieve
pain by reducing the production of prostaglandins, which are
hormone-like substances that cause pain and inflammation.
Acetaminophen works on the parts of the brain that receive the
"pain messages."
What are topical pain relievers?
OTC pain
treatments also include topical pain relievers. These
products include creams, lotions, or sprays that are applied to the
skin to relieve pain from sore muscles and arthritis. Some examples
of topical pain relievers include the brands
Aspercreme® and Ben-Gay®. Some
topical treatments contain a medicine such as aspirin, but there is
no evidence that topical aspirin effectively relieves pain.
Other topical medicines "mask" the feelings of pain by making
the skin feel warm or cold. An example is capsaicin, which comes
from the extracts of chili peppers.
Some topical treatments block the "pain message" from reaching
the brain. In general these medicines are safe, even for long-term
use.
Pain treatments: Prescription
What are corticosteroids?
Corticosteroids are
cortisone-like medicines that are used to
provide relief for inflamed areas of the body. These medicines help
to ease swelling, redness, itching, and allergic reactions. Often,
corticosteroids are used for conditions such as allergies, asthma,
and arthritis. Corticosteroids are similar to the natural
corticosteroid hormones that are produced by the cortex (outer
part) of the adrenal glands. Some corticosteroids are available
over the counter, such as lower-strength hydrocortisone creams
(Cortaid®, Cortizone®).
Other common types of corticosteroids require prescriptions.
These include:
- Prednisone
- Prednisolone
- Methylprednisolone
- Dexamethasone
Prescription corticosteroids are strong medicines that may cause
serious side effects. Side effects may include weight gain,
diabetes, upset stomach, headache, mood changes, and trouble
sleeping. These medicines might also make it harder for the body to
fight off infections. Efforts are under way to develop safer
corticosteroids.