Painkiller tablets, also known as analgesics, are medicines designed to relieve or reduce pain. They’re among the most commonly used drugs worldwide, helping people manage everything from mild headaches to severe joint and muscle pain. Whether the discomfort is short-term or chronic, painkiller tablets play a crucial role in restoring comfort, mobility, and quality of life.
Pain is your body’s alarm system—it tells you something isn’t right. But when that pain becomes overwhelming or interferes with daily tasks, painkillers can help break the cycle. Depending on the cause and intensity of your pain, you might use over-the-counter (OTC) tablets like paracetamol or ibuprofen, or prescription-only options such as codeine or co-codamol.
What painkiller tablets can do?
Painkiller tablets work by interrupting pain signals or reducing the inflammation that triggers those signals. Some act directly on the nervous system to block pain messages, while others target the source of the problem—such as swollen joints or irritated muscles.
They can help with a wide range of conditions, including:
When used correctly, painkillers can make movement easier, improve sleep, and help people stay active during recovery.
Types of painkiller tablets
Not all painkillers work the same way. Understanding their differences helps you choose the right one for your symptoms—or discuss suitable options with your doctor.
Paracetamol (acetaminophen)
Paracetamol is one of the most common and safest over-the-counter painkillers. It works by blocking chemical messengers in the brain that signal pain and regulate temperature. It’s effective for headaches, mild joint pain, and fever, and is often the first choice for general aches and pains. However, taking too much can damage the liver, so always stick to the recommended dose.
Ibuprofen
Ibuprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that relieves pain, reduces inflammation, and lowers fever. It’s particularly effective for period pain, muscle injuries, back pain, and arthritis. Because it can irritate the stomach lining, it’s best taken with food. Long-term use should be monitored, especially for people with stomach ulcers, kidney problems, or heart disease.
Aspirin
Aspirin is another NSAID that helps with pain, inflammation, and fever. It’s also widely used in low doses to reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes. However, it isn’t recommended for children under 16 or those with certain stomach or bleeding disorders.
Codeine
Codeine is an opioid painkiller that works by blocking pain messages sent between the brain and spinal cord. It’s used for moderate to severe pain when other medicines aren’t enough. Because it can cause drowsiness, constipation, and dependence, codeine should only be taken under medical advice and for short periods.
Co-codamol
Co-codamol combines paracetamol and codeine, offering stronger pain relief than either ingredient alone. It’s used for moderate pain that doesn’t respond to simple OTC painkillers. Since it contains an opioid, it carries a risk of dependence and should be used only as directed.
How painkiller tablets work
Painkiller tablets target pain in different ways depending on their type.
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NSAIDs like ibuprofen and aspirin block the production of prostaglandins, natural chemicals that cause inflammation, swelling, and pain.
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Paracetamol acts mainly in the brain, reducing pain perception and helping lower fever.
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Opioids, including codeine, bind to pain receptors in the nervous system, effectively stopping pain messages from reaching the brain.
This variation in how they work means doctors can choose the most suitable painkiller—or combination—based on your specific condition.
Other pain relief options
For some people, standard painkillers may not provide enough relief or may cause unwanted side effects. In such cases, doctors might prescribe other types of medicines that can target nerve pain or chronic conditions.
Anticonvulsants
Drugs such as gabapentin, pregabalin, and carbamazepine are primarily used for epilepsy but can also help with nerve pain (neuropathic pain). They calm overactive nerves, reducing sensations of burning, tingling, or shooting pain.
Antidepressants
Certain antidepressants like amitriptyline and duloxetine can relieve chronic pain, particularly in conditions such as fibromyalgia and nerve damage. They work by altering pain-related chemicals in the brain and improving sleep and mood, which can indirectly reduce pain perception.
Muscle relaxants
These medicines reduce muscle spasms and tension, and are often used for back pain or neck pain. They work by calming the nerves that cause muscle contractions, helping improve movement and comfort.
Corticosteroids
Powerful anti-inflammatory drugs such as prednisolone can be prescribed for severe pain caused by inflammation, including arthritis and autoimmune conditions. Because long-term use can lead to side effects like weight gain and bone loss, they’re usually taken for short periods or at low doses.
When are painkiller tablets required?
Painkiller tablets are not meant to mask pain indefinitely—they’re used to help you manage symptoms while treating the underlying cause. They may be needed when:
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Pain limits your ability to move, rest, or function normally.
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Inflammation causes swelling or stiffness.
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Over-the-counter treatments no longer provide relief.
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You’re recovering from surgery or an injury.
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You’re managing a chronic condition such as arthritis or nerve pain.
If pain persists for more than a few days or if it’s severe, it’s important to speak to a healthcare professional. Persistent pain can signal an underlying condition that needs attention.
Safe use and when to seek medical advice
Painkillers can be extremely effective, but they must be used correctly. Always follow the dosage instructions on the pack or prescription label. Taking multiple painkillers that contain the same active ingredient—such as paracetamol or codeine—can lead to overdose or liver damage.
Seek medical advice if:
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You need painkillers for more than a few days.
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The pain is getting worse despite medication.
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You develop side effects such as stomach pain, dizziness, or rash.
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You’re taking opioids and are concerned about dependence.
Your GP or pharmacist can review your medicines and help find safer or more effective options for long-term pain relief.
Final thoughts
Painkiller tablets remain a cornerstone of modern pain management, offering fast and effective relief for countless conditions. From everyday headaches to chronic arthritis pain, they allow people to regain control and maintain normal activity. But like all medicines, they must be used responsibly—at the lowest effective dose, for the shortest necessary time.
If you’re unsure which painkiller is right for your situation, speak with your pharmacist or GP before taking anything new. The right guidance can make all the difference between short-term comfort and long-term harm.
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