When undergoing continuous physical activity, for example exercising or lifting weights that exceed your ability, muscle pain is a risk that needs to be anticipated. To relieve muscle pain, muscle pain relievers are the right choice.
Muscle pain is characterized by characteristics, namely aching in the muscles of the hands, knees, feet, hips, or spine that appears suddenly, disappears, or even lasts a long time. To overcome this, the following is a selection of pain relievers that can be used.
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Various Choices of Muscle Pain Reliever Drugs
The following are various types of muscle pain relievers that are commonly consumed to relieve muscle pain:
1. Paracetamol
Paracetamol is a drug that is commonly consumed to treat muscle and joint pain. This drug also works to cure other types of pain, such as toothache, headache, fever, and menstrual cramps. Various brands of paracetamol are available without a doctor’s prescription at pharmacies. To stay safe, follow the directions for use and the exact dosage on the medicine label.
2. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
These types of drugs include ibuprofen, naproxen, and aspirin, which are useful for reducing muscle pain, ranging from moderate to severe. Even though it is often consumed, the use of NSAIDs must be according to the doctor’s or pharmacist’s instructions. This aims to anticipate the emergence of side effects of long-term use of NSAIDs, such as stomach ulcers, headaches, nausea, diarrhea, stomach pain, and drowsiness.
3. Opioid drugs
Opioid drugs are generally used if NSAIDs and paracetamol do not work to cure the muscle pain you are experiencing. Types of opioid drugs that are generally prescribed by doctors are hydrocodone, morphine, and oxycodone. To stay safe, the use of this type of drug requires a doctor’s supervision, because it risks triggering drug abuse and dependence. In addition, opioids trigger a number of side effects, such as nausea, constipation, nausea, and drowsiness.
4. Medication class of muscle relaxants
Types of muscle relaxants are also effective for reducing tension and soreness due to muscle pain, for example eperisone. Therefore, this type of drug is often taken together with the pain relievers mentioned earlier. However, the duration and dosage of the drug must follow the doctor’s recommendations.
5. Capsaicin
Another muscle pain reliever is an topical medication that contains capsaicin to relieve muscle pain due to arthritis. This drug is useful for inhibiting substances that send pain signals and release endorphins that hold back pain. However, you need to be careful with the side effects, namely a burning or stinging sensation in the area that is applied.
Warnings on the Use of Muscle Pain Reliever Drugs
In general, the use of muscle pain relievers is safe. However, people with certain conditions are advised to consult a doctor before taking this drug, namely:
- Pregnant and lactating women.
- Elderly or over 65 years.
- People with asthma.
- People with peptic ulcers or ulcers.
- People with heart disease, kidney, liver, intestine, or blood pressure.
- Allergy to muscle pain relievers.
- Children under 16 years.
If there are prolonged side effects after taking the muscle pain relievers above or irritation after using muscle pain relief creams or gels, you should discuss with your doctor to examine the cause, so that treatment is given according to your condition.
