Anti-inflammatory drugs and painkillers

Pain control medications come in two categories: anti- inflammatories and analgesics . Over-the-counter anti-inflammatories such as Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid), Brufen (Ibuprofen) or Voltaren (diclofenac-based anti-inflammatory ointment) are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). These reduce inflammation which manifests itself in pain, heat, redness and swelling. Analgesics, or pain relievers, control pain but not inflammation.

Analgesic drugs such as Tachipirina (Paracetamol) also have an antipyretic effect , as well as a pain reliever. Furthermore, pain-relieving drugs have more modest side effects than anti-inflammatories and are especially preferable for children .