[Click! Health] So Many Painkillers, When and How Much Should You Take?

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Chun-hee] Pain is a type of warning signal that the body uses to alert itself to danger in order to sustain life. Despite the fact that neglecting such pain can lead to mental distress or difficulties in social life, many people tend to simply endure pain as a minor symptom.

This perception is often caused by concerns about side effects and tolerance when taking painkillers. Of course, for chronic pain, it is best to receive treatment from a specialist, but for temporary pain, appropriate painkiller use can help with quick relief.

In particular, taking the right painkillers early on can be helpful. Taking painkillers as a method to actively manage pain from the beginning can aid in eliminating or alleviating pain. If severe pain is left untreated for more than three months, the pain nerve circuits themselves can become abnormally altered, making treatment difficult and expanding the area of pain.

Generally, the painkillers most commonly used and available over the counter at pharmacies are two types: acetaminophen-based 'antipyretic analgesics' and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen and aspirin. Acetaminophen is used to relieve everyday pains like headaches, toothaches, menstrual cramps, and simple fevers, while NSAIDs are effective in reducing inflammation-related pain such as gingivitis, myositis, and pain from wounds.

The timing of administration varies depending on the ingredient. Acetaminophen has a low risk of gastrointestinal side effects, so it can be taken on an empty stomach regardless of meals. However, NSAIDs work by blocking a pain-transmitting substance called ‘prostaglandin,’ which also plays a role in protecting the stomach lining. Therefore, taking NSAIDs on an empty stomach can cause various gastrointestinal complications, including stomach and duodenal ulcers, so it is best to take them 30 minutes after meals with lukewarm water.

(Photo by Ministry of Food and Drug Safety)

Painkillers are further divided by formulation because the onset and duration of their effects differ. They are mainly categorized into 'immediate-release tablets' and 'extended-release tablets.' Immediate-release tablets provide quick pain relief, making them effective for acute pains such as headaches, toothaches, and menstrual cramps. On the other hand, extended-release painkillers are designed with a dual structure to keep the drug in the body longer, providing prolonged effects that are effective for long-lasting pains like muscle pain, joint pain, and back pain.

Concerns about side effects or tolerance from painkillers, which many people have, are not significant if proper usage guidelines are followed. Acetaminophen is generally safe when taken within the recommended dosage, not exceeding the maximum daily limit of 4000 mg. However, caution is needed when taking multiple medications simultaneously, as acetaminophen content may overlap. Tolerance can develop with narcotic painkillers if taken long-term, but most painkillers sold on the market are non-narcotic, making cases of tolerance or addiction rare.

For households with children, it is advisable to have painkillers specifically formulated for children on hand. In emergencies, some may split adult painkillers for children, but this is risky as it is difficult to ensure the correct dosage and guarantee effectiveness. Powdered antipyretic analgesics for children who have difficulty swallowing pills are also available on the market.