A medicine used to reduce or relieve pain.
“Painkiller” is a general, everyday term rather than the name of one specific class of medicine. It can refer to medicines such as acetaminophen (paracetamol), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), or opioid medicines.
Different painkillers work through different mechanisms and have different benefits, risks, and appropriate uses.
QUICK FACT
A painkiller may reduce pain without treating the underlying cause of the pain.
COMMONLY CONFUSED WITH
Anti-inflammatory: a medicine or treatment that reduces inflammation. Some painkillers are anti-inflammatory, but not all are.
SEE ALSO
- Inflammation
- Medication
- Adverse Effect
