Which Painkiller Is Right for You? Simple Guide to Common Medicines

Painkillers are the most commonly used medicines in every home. A headache, a sprained ankle, fever, cramps — we reach for a tablet without thinking twice. But not all painkillers work the same way. Some calm the brain’s pain signals, some fight inflammation, and others are meant only for short-term severe pain.

Understanding these differences helps you choose the right one instead of swallowing whatever is closest. This guide will walk you through the most commonly used painkillers like Calpol 500, Paracip 500, Brufen 400/600, Combiflam, Ketorol 10 and explain clearly:

When each medicine is appropriate?

• How long can you safely take it?
• Which ones are over-the-counter and which require a doctor
• The important precautions people usually ignore

Let’s make painkillers simple and safe

Paracetamol: Daily Essential (Calpol 500, Paracip 500).

Paracetamol is often used first for mild pain and fever. You will see it in brands like Calpol 500 and Paracip 500.

How it works?

Paracetamol works in the brain to reduce:

• Pain perception
• Fever
• Does not reduce inflammation or swelling.

Best for

• Headaches
• Fever
• Sore throat aches
• Post-vaccine discomfort
• Mild body pain

When to avoid NSAIDs (gastritis, kidney issues, elderly).

How long can you take it?

Typically a fever lasts 1-3 days and for mild pain a few days’ use is normal. We should avoid prolonged daily use unless under a doctors care.

Prescription?

No. Paracetamol is available over the counter.

Precautions

• Do not go over the daily recommended limit (risk of liver damage).
• Avoid alcohol when taking it.
• Safe for all age groups including kids, but dose has to be right.
• Paracetamol is the go to painkiller which is the most safe – but it does best when there is no inflammation.

NSAIDs: The Inflammation Specialists (Brufen 400, Brufen 600)

Many issues are a result of inflammation – a swollen ankle, muscle strain, toothache, or period cramps. In that which regards pain relief, NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti Inflammatory Drugs) outperform paracetamol.

Brufen 400 and Brufen 600 include ibuprofen which is an NSAID that is widely used around the globe.

How it works?

Ibuprofen inhibits COX enzymes that produce prostaglandins (pain-causing and inflammation-triggering chemicals). In which case:

• Swelling reduces
• Pain decreases
• Fever may drop

This is what makes ibuprofen the drug of choice for physical injuries.

Best for

• Muscle strains
• Sprains
• Toothache
• Period pain
• Back pain
• Joint pain
• Pain with visible swelling

How long can you take it?

Usually, 2 to 5 days for injuries and cramps. In the long term use may damage the stomach or kidneys.

Prescription?

• Brufen 400 is commonly OTC.
• Brufen 600 is usually a doctor’s choice due to its potency.

Precautions

1. Take before meals to avoid stomach irritation.
2. In ulcer disease, kidney disease, or during late pregnancy.
3. Do not combine several NSAIDs at once (Brufen, Ketorol, etc)
4. NSAIDs do a great job at relieving swelling-related pain — but they must be used as directed.

Combination Painkillers: Dual Pain Relief (Combiflam)

At times pain has many facets throbbing and inflammation. That’s when combo drugs like Combiflam step in which contain paracetamol and ibuprofen.

How it works?

It attacks pain from two angles: It is at two fronts:

• Paracetamol: Reduces pain in the brain.
• Ibuprofen: Reduces the source of inflammation at the source reduces the cause of inflammation at the root cause of inflammation that is it at the base of the inflammation issue. Reduces what is causing the inflammation in the first place.

This which in turn produces quick and great relief, in particular when inflammation is a factor.

Best for

1. Severe headaches
2. Body aches with fever
3. Tooth aches, Menstrual cramps
4. Pain where swelling and discomfort mix

How long you can take it?

Typically b. For extended use that is not recommended.

Prescription?

OTC. But also use with care.

Precautions

• Avoid using with other paracetamol or NSAID drugs.
• Can irritate the stomach if overused
• Avoid alcohol
• Combiflam is strong but not a daily option.

Strong Prescribing of NSAIDs (Ketorol 10)

Sometimes pain is of a severity which outdoes mild NSAIDs. That’s when we use strong drugs like Ketorol 10 (ketorolac).

How it works?

Ketorolac is of high potency in the class of NSAIDs and very effectively blocks prostaglandins. While it is a strong agent which we use for very acute and severe pain it also at the same time increases the risk of stomach and kidney side effects.

Best for

• Severe tooth pain
• Post-surgical pain
• Intense back or joint pain
• Acute injuries
• How long you can take it

Usually for 2 to 3 days. Not for mild or every day pain.

Prescription?

Yes. Ketorolac is by prescription only.

Precautions

• Can cause stomach bleeding if misused
• People which have kidney issues should stay away from it.
• Do not take with Brufen, aspirin, or other NSAIDs.
• Not for mild pain
• Think of Ketorol for serious pain.
• So Which Painkiller Should You Take?

Here is what you do to match pain to the right medicine:.

• If you have fever or headache: Tylenol (Calpol 500, Paracip 500).
• If you have pain + swelling/inflammation: Brufen 200 mg or Brufen 400 mg (with caution).
• If you need stronger, faster relief: Combiflam (but not daily)
• If the pain is very acute: Ketorol 10 by prescription only.

General Precautions Everyone Should Follow

1. Even the simplest of painkillers should be taken seriously. What most people ignore is that:
2. Never combine two of the same kind of painkiller.
3. Brufen + Ketorol = dangerous
4. Combiflam + paracetamol = overdose risk
5. Keep to the max daily dose.
6. More tablets ≠ more relief.
7. Avoid alcohol while taking painkillers
8. It puts at risk liver and stomach.
9. People with kidney, liver, stomach, or heart issues must be very careful.
10. NSAIDs especially can worsen these.
11. Pain which extends beyond 3 to 5 days should see a doctor.
12. Painkillers treat symptoms, not causes.
13. Do not use painkillers to ignore serious pain.
14. Persistent or severe pain needs diagnosis.

Walkthrough

Painkillers are at their best, when used thoughtfully. Paracetamol goes to the brain which makes it great for headaches and fever. NSAIDs such as Brufen target inflammation directly. Combiflam is best for when you have many types of pain. And powerful drugs like Ketorol 10 should only be used when really needed and then under professional care.

By learning how they work, what is the safe duration of use, and which ones require a doctor’s input you protect yourself from health risks and at the same time get the best relief.