The best pain relievers

To relieve pain, doctors prescribe analgesics to patients. They are divided into two groups - narcotic, non-narcotic composition with a different principle of action. On sale you can see a huge variety of such drugs with different composition, indications, intensity. To facilitate the selection, experts and healthcare professionals have named the best pain relievers of 2024, ranking them with a detailed overview of each nominee. In total, 3 categories will be presented - inexpensive, strong and pediatric analgesics.

Which company pain reliever is better to choose

Pharmacy chains in any city offer a large selection of pain relieving drugs, which significantly complicates the choice of the buyer. Experts recommend starting your search by meeting reliable, proven experience and time-tested pharmaceutical companies. The current rating presented the products of the following companies:

• S.K. Therapy S.A. (Ketanov) is a Romanian pharmaceutical company registered in 2002. In addition to Ketanov, another drug remains in demand - Faringosept in various forms of release.
• Etipharm (Buprenorphine) is a French pharmaceutical company incorporated in 1977. Until now, this family-owned business has been expanding its range of products in cooperation with various international companies. This allowed her to become the world leader in complex drug forms.
• Moscow endocrine plant (Morphine) is a pharmaceutical company in Russia that has been replenishing the shelves of pharmacy chains with products for over 75 years. It has repeatedly proved its competitiveness and high quality. Today the assortment consists of 12 groups, 80 items.
• State Plant of Medicines (Promedol) is a Russian enterprise, which in 1998 became the legal successor of the well-known plant of organic chemistry and technologies of the State Scientific Center of the State Scientific Research Institute. Its main task is to provide essential medicines to the hospital medical network.
• Pharmstandard (Paracetamol) is one of the largest pharmaceutical manufacturers in Russia. Today, production facilities annually produce 1.7 billion units of medicines. It was possible to become an influential company thanks to its compliance with the proper norms and standards of quality and safety.
• Dalhimpharm (Analgin) is one of the oldest Russian enterprises for the development of drugs in several directions, namely tablet, ampoule, galenic forms, suppositories, ointments. It is the legal successor of the Khabarovsk Khimfarmzavod created in 1939.
• Reckitt Benckiser (Nurofen) is a British-Dutch large manufacturer, engaged not only in the production of medicines, but also personal hygiene products, for maintaining health, and household goods. Modern innovative solutions have made it possible to create 19 own brands, leaders in their category.
• Hinoin ZFHP (No-shpa) - CJSC, which is a subsidiary of Sanofi-Sintelabo in Hungary. For the development of drugs, there are two enterprises Uzhpest with solid dosage forms and Chanikvolgi with solutions for injections.
• Borisov plant of medical preparations (Ibuprofen) is a well-known Belarusian manufacturer, importer of medicines of various groups and purposes.It has 4 production facilities, auxiliary services, thanks to which it annually produces 12 groups, 300 names of drugs.
• Alembic Pharmaceuticals Ltd (Nimegesic) is a multinational pharmaceutical company from India that deals with medicinal substances and intermediates. In the healthcare sector, such a company has been operating since 1907, producing products of guaranteed quality.

Rating of painkillers

There are many important parameters for choosing a pain reliever. To begin with, they listen to the appointment, the recommendations of a medical specialist. After that, a reliable manufacturer of medicines is selected. Further, the drug itself is already evaluated according to several criteria:

• Composition - active ingredient, additives;
• Pharmaceutical properties - speed, duration of action, indications;
• Release form - solid, liquid;
• Ease of use - rules of admission, dose;
• Safety - risks of side effects, contraindications;
• The spectrum of action is narrow-profile, extensive;
• Age category - for children, adults.

The choice of the best pain relievers was helped by real patient reviews, recommendations of medical specialists. This information helped to identify the strengths, weaknesses of each nominee. Also, the selection of leaders was carried out taking into account the ratio of prices and quality. The whole set of criteria determined the 10 best offers of 2024.

Best antibiotics

The strongest pain relievers

For acute, unbearable pain in patients, doctors may prescribe drugs with an increased degree of exposure. These are mainly narcotic opioid substances, which are sold in pharmacy chains on prescription. Most often they are used for toothache, during fractures, pain syndrome of the joints and back, with oncology. What strong pain relievers will definitely help, the top list of leaders in this category will tell you.

Ketanov

In the list of vital drugs, specialists include Ketanov. The main component that guarantees quick and effective elimination of pain symptoms is ketorolac. By blocking the synthesis of prostagladins, it helps to suppress the inflammatory process, normalize thermoregulation. The effect comes after 15 minutes and lasts up to 8 hours. It is usually prescribed to relieve the state of health with severe burns, otitis media, toothache, kidney or liver colic, joint diseases and even oncology. The age limit is from 16 years. Ketanov is inappropriate in the treatment of chronic pain.

Advantages

• Fast effect;
• Effectiveness for any degree of pain;
• Long-term exposure;
• Small size, easy to use;
• Anti-inflammatory action;
• Selling without a prescription;
• Safe analogue of narcotic analgesics.

disadvantages

• Ineffectiveness in chronic syndrome;
• A large list of contraindications, side effects.

Medical experts compare the strength of the effect of Ketans with Morphine and other narcotic drugs. But you can buy it freely and without a prescription at any pharmacy. The main thing is to familiarize yourself in advance with the restrictions on therapy, possible risks. The downside is the fact that pills are appropriate only for the acute form of the syndrome.

Buprenorphine

It is one of the most powerful analgesics in modern pharmacology. Unlike the previous nominee, this is an opioid drug of semi-synthetic origin. The main component is a derivative of thebaine alkaloid. In terms of chemical structure, Buprenorphine is close to Morphine. It is prescribed in the most advanced cases - with severe burns, oncology, ischemia, heart attack. If most analgesics are swallowed, the tablet is placed under the tongue until dissolved.

Advantages

• Low toxicity;
• Effectiveness in chronic pain syndrome;
• Long-term exposure;
• Minimal risk of addiction;
• Convenient form of application;
• Fast results.

disadvantages

• Sold by prescription only;
• Withdrawal syndrome is possible.

In the group of narcotic analgesics, Buprenorphine is less toxic and dangerous in terms of addiction. But it is not accepted without an appointment, a written prescription from a doctor. The advantage is considered to be quick relief in acute pain, effectiveness in chronic symptoms. Before starting the appointment, carefully study the contraindications, dosage. Withdrawal syndrome is possible after prolonged use.

Morphine

Another powerful pain reliever that can eliminate severe pain syndrome in any serious injury, heart attack, oncological pathologies, damage to nerve endings. The active ingredient acts on the brain, deactivating pain receptors. It is widely used by specialists after performing complex operations. But you need to be prepared for the fact that after anesthesia, dizziness, anxiety, asthenia may occur.

Advantages

• Suppression of a symptom of any complexity;
• Feeling of euphoria;
• Wide range of applications;
• Various forms of release;
• Long action.

disadvantages

• Addiction risks, side effects;
• Selling strictly by prescription.

To use such a strong pain reliever would require serious reasons, a prescription with a calculated dosage from a doctor. Most often, they are relieved of the condition of cancer patients in the last stages, since few of the other analgesics can cope with this task. The downside is the possible side effects, the risks of addiction.

Promedol

The review of the powerful pain relievers Promedol, in which trimeperidine is the active ingredient, concludes the review. Most often it is referred to the group of pain relievers for back pain, bone fractures, oncological diseases and other conditions with severe symptoms. The opioid formulation requires a prescription from a doctor, otherwise there are risks of side effects, including physical / psychological dependence. After taking a pill or injecting an injection, the flow of pain impulses at any level of the nervous system is disrupted, and the emotional color of the symptom also changes. The composition is easily tolerated, unless there is hypersensitivity or respiratory depression.

Advantages

• Increased pain threshold;
• Rapid onset of relief;
• Wide range of applications;
• Safe even for babies;
• Light antispasmodic effect.

disadvantages

• Suppression of conditioned reflexes, drowsiness;
• Short action.

On the list of opioid analgesics, this is one of the safest suggestions, which is sold by prescription in the form of injection solution, tablets.

After taking it, the condition improves after 1 minute, but the disadvantage is that the action of the pill lasts only 2-4 hours. In addition, there may be a slowdown in reaction, drowsiness.

The best inexpensive pain relievers

The next category of the rating will name the best pain relievers, a list of the most inexpensive, but effective pills. For the majority of visitors to pharmacies, an important factor influencing the choice of medicines is the budget and prices. The best offers can be seen from domestic pharmaceutical companies.

Paracetamol

An inexpensive, common anti-inflammatory, non-steroidal pain reliever. It is not only an analgesic, but also an antipyretic, since, in addition to its main action, it reduces fever by acting on the center of thermoregulation in the hypothalamus. It can be used for ARVI, dental problems, myalgia, neuralgia, arthralgia, algodismenorrhea and migraine. Due to its low toxicity and safety, the drug is applicable even in pediatrics. Unlike many medicines, Paracetamol does not affect blood pressure. The age limit is from 3 years. The action is felt about half an hour after ingestion, remaining for another 4-6 hours.

Advantages

• Any form of release;
• Safety;
• Suppression of inflammation;
• Decreased fever;
• Application in various fields of medicine;
• Safety;
• Cheap price tag.

disadvantages

• A short course of therapy is allowed;
• Long-term use with salicylates forms an oncological risk.

This cheap option is sold in tablets, suppositories, powder, capsules. It is even used to treat children, which indicates a low degree of toxicity and low risks of side effects. But it should be borne in mind that doctors do not recommend long-term use of Paracetamol, and the combination with salicylates can increase the likelihood of urinary oncology.

Analgin

Another common analgesic with the main component is metamizole sodium. It guarantees not only the elimination of a debilitating symptom, but also an anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, antipyretic effect. After feeling better, motor functions are restored. Thanks to such a wide range of effects, pills can be used against different types of pain, especially often doctors prescribe Analgin for symptoms of osteochondrosis, arthritis, etc. But we are talking about complex therapy with other pills, since the effect of such pills will be temporary. The age limit is from 8 years.

Advantages

• Time-tested tablets;
• Universal assistant;
• Fast action;
• Cheap price tag;
• A small list of side effects;
• Safety.

disadvantages

• Short duration of action;
• Increase in blood pressure is possible.

Tablets are good because they are easily absorbed, they act after 20 minutes. They are cheap and you can buy them at any pharmacy. Side effects are extremely rare, most often it is a change in the blood formula, against the background of which the pressure rises. The downside is that the effect will be short-lived.

The best antipyretic

Nuroferon

One of the most popular anti-inflammatory pills is non-steroidal Nurofen. According to many dentists, this is an excellent pain reliever for toothache with a fairly simple principle of operation. Its active composition slows down the synthesis of prostaglandins, which makes the patient feel better. Pills are actively used for neuralgia, headaches, and also as auxiliary pills at high temperatures. The age limit is from 6 years.

Advantages

• Suppression of inflammation;
• Relative safety;
• Wide application;
• Decrease in high temperature;
• Express action.

disadvantages

• Price;
• Addictive is possible.

Due to such a wide spectrum of action, tablets are used for various diseases as an adjuvant. But Nurofen manifests itself best of all in the fight against high fever with colds, toothache. The downside is the predisposition to addiction, as well as the price, which is slightly higher than that of the previously announced nominees.

No-shpa

The active component of such tablets drotaverin belongs to myotropic antispasmodics. Such a substance helps to relax the smooth muscles of the internal organs, a slight expansion of blood vessels. That is, such a drug will be appropriate for pain provoked by muscle spasms. This happens with spastic colitis, diseases of the urinary system, pathologies of the gallbladder and its pathways, ulcers. Doctors often recommend such a medication for headaches provoked by vascular spasms. An auxiliary agent acts to facilitate the well-being of women during menstruation.

Advantages

• Light, fast absorption;
• Minimal risks of unwanted effects;
• Elimination of spasms of any nature;
• Safety;
• Pregnancy tolerance;
• No age restrictions.

disadvantages

• Lack of research on admission to children under 6 and breastfeeding mothers;
• Help only with spasms.

Unlike many other pain relievers, No-shpa does not mask the symptoms of serious pathologies requiring surgery.

The tablets can be taken by pregnant women, children.But how safe the therapy will be for breastfeeding mothers and children under 6 years old has not been fully studied. Also, a minus is the fact that No-shpa will not help with toothache, burns, etc.

Best pain relievers for kids

When it comes to young children, doctors always select the most reliable, time-tested safe pain reliever. The rating included only 2 nominees, who received high marks from pediatricians and parents. These are versatile medicines that help to cope with pain symptoms in infants, preschool and school children.

Ibuprofen

A universal drug used to suppress the inflammatory process, relieve fever, eliminate spasmolytic and other pain. The main substance is propionic acid, which today is part of most pharmacological preparations. According to the principle of operation, Ibuprofen is considered an analogue of Nurofen, but significantly cheaper than it. For children and newborns, this is one of the safest medicines from the first day of life. For convenient use, manufacturers offer different forms of release.

Advantages

• Minimal toxicity;
• Analgesic, antipyretic properties;
• No age limit;
• Cheap price tag;
• Fast results;
• Help with a symptom of any etiology.

disadvantages

• Side effects are possible;
• Demanding dosage.

If we talk about small children, this is an indispensable tool for quickly reducing high temperature, pain during teething, colic, etc. But here it is important to follow the instructions, since an overdose threatens with unpleasant manifestations. Even syrup for newborns is prohibited more often than the specified norm.

Nimegesic

The main substance in such tablets is nimesulide, namely a non-steroidal selective anti-inflammatory substance. Shows activity as suppressing inflammation, pain of any etiology, antipyretic drug. Nimegesic has been on the list of leaders of the best analgesics for several years in a row, as it rarely causes side effects. The result is felt within 40 minutes after ingestion, while maintaining up to 8 hours. Complex therapy up to 15 days is acceptable.

Advantages

• Effective for heat, inflammation, pain;
• Availability;
• Minimal risks of unwanted manifestations;
• Long-term reception is allowed;
• Inexpensive price tag.

disadvantages

• Recommended from 12 years old;
• Not so pronounced antipyretic effect.

Such a remedy is most often prescribed by doctors to children from 12 years of school and adolescence. Multifunctional, inexpensive pills have been tested for years; they rarely cause side effects. The disadvantage is the age threshold, as well as not so strong help at high temperatures.

Which pain reliever is better to buy

Depending on the problem, accompanied by unpleasant manifestations, the doctor selects the appropriate pain reliever medication. It is undesirable to rely on your own preferences without the advice of a specialist. To narrow the search for what to buy to make you feel better, the following review results will help:

• Fast relief for moderate to severe pain - Nurofen;
• An effective medication for young children without the risk of addiction - Ibuprofen;
• Strong over-the-counter pain reliever - Ketanov;
• Most powerful prescription analgesic - Morphine;
• A popular cheap quick-acting remedy is Analgin;
• Medicinal pain reliever for pregnant women - No-shpa;
• A universal remedy at the best price - Paracetamol.

You should choose according to what exactly will hurt - a tooth, head, joints, lower back or spine, burns or internal organs. Further, they rely on the composition, the principle of operation of the tablets, and other properties declared by the manufacturer. Much depends on the individual characteristics of the organism, predispositions.