09/15/2021 Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs or NSAIDs) are widely used against inflammatory processes in the body. Medicines are sold in tablet form, capsules, and dosage forms for external use. They not only have an anti-inflammatory effect, but also reduce temperature and also relieve pain.
The drugs have contraindications and side effects, so the doctor must select them, taking into account the individual characteristics and condition of the patient.
Top 9 drugs for headaches depending on its cause.
June 1, 2021
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Content
- Why does my head hurt?
- Groups of drugs for headaches
- Analgesics
- Antispasmodics
- Vasoconstrictor drugs
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
- The most effective pills for headaches
- Aspirin
- Paracetamol
- Citramon
- Tempalgin
- Pentalgin
- Spazgan
- Nurofen
- No-Shpa
There is probably not a single person who has not experienced a headache at least once in his life. Moreover, this also applies to absolutely healthy people. Headache varies in severity, often impairing quality of life and reducing performance. Therefore, there are head pills in every home medicine cabinet.
But you need to understand that there is no universal remedy for headaches, because there are about 40 causes that cause them. And only a doctor can determine exactly why you have a headache. If you need to quickly relieve pain, we suggest you at least figure out which headache medication you need to take in a particular case.
Read also How to treat migraine: the best drugs Top 5 best drugs against migraine
Antispasmodics for headaches
A common cause of headaches is cerebral vasospasm. In this case, myotropic antispasmodics help relieve headaches:
- No-shpa (drotaverine);
- dibazole;
- papaverine;
- revalgin;
- dexalgin.
Neurotropic antispasmodics block the transmission of nerve impulses to smooth muscles, causing spasmodic vessels to dilate. Neurotropic vasodilators include:
- buscopan;
- scopolamine;
- aprofen;
- ganglefen;
- hyoscine;
- ganglefen;
- Arpenal.
Does spasmalgon help with headaches? The drug has a pronounced antispasmodic effect and eliminates headaches caused by vasospasm. Baralgin helps many patients against headaches. Mydocalm can help with headaches if the cause of the pain is muscle spasm.
Panadol belongs to the group of non-selective non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. It relieves headaches thanks to the analgesic effect of the main active agent - paracetamol. The drug is effective for headaches caused by fever.
Why does my head hurt?
The characteristics of headaches can vary in intensity, location, nature of pain, duration, etc. Among the causes of headaches
such:
- osteochondrosis of the cervical spine or cerebral vascular spasms;
- migraine, vascular problems, otitis media, glaucoma and other problems can be suspected by a throbbing headache;
- if the headache lasts for a long time, meningitis, encephalitis, tuberculosis and serious damage to the nervous system are possible.
Regarding the location of the headache,
then it is also different for each problem:
- forehead and eyebrow area: migraine, some eye diseases, inflammation of the sinuses, pneumonia;
- occipital region: neuralgia of the occipital nerve, spasm of the muscles of the head and neck, osteochondrosis, hypertension;
- forehead and temples: sinusitis, pneumonia, sore throat, flu, increased intracranial pressure;
- parietal region: migraine, muscle spasms of the head and neck, tumor processes.
In addition to various diseases, headaches can be caused by weather dependence, stressful situations, lack of sleep, and bad habits. In women, headaches often depend on the menstrual cycle. Men usually have headaches due to overwork, childhood headaches are associated with ARVI, and in old age headaches are caused by problems with the heart and blood vessels.
In any case, uncontrolled use of medications is unacceptable for headaches. If you have frequent headaches, be sure to consult a doctor and get tested to determine the cause.
Modern methods of treatment
Treatment methods depend on the diagnosis.
Tension headaches.
They are usually treated with painkillers, massage and sometimes meditation. However, frequent tension headaches require medical supervision.
Migraine.
Treatment for this disease includes painkillers and rest in a darkened room. Doctors often recommend lifestyle changes, hormone therapy, and anti-migraine medications such as triptans to reduce the frequency and intensity of migraines.
Returning pain.
The best treatment for this type of pain is to stop taking painkillers. Yes, at first the headaches get worse, but they go away quickly.
In severe cases, you should consult a doctor - physical or behavioral therapy may be required to break the habit of using analgesics.
Occipital neuralgia.
It can be treated with heat compresses, rest, massage, physical therapy or painkillers. Severe pain may require oral muscle relaxants, nerve blocks, steroid injections, or local anesthesia. In rare cases, surgery is necessary to relieve pressure on the nerves or block pain impulses to that part of the body.
Pain during physical activity.
Taking painkillers before exercise can solve this problem. In addition, it is important to avoid stress, eat right and get enough sleep.
Aspirin
The active ingredient in Aspirin is acetylsalicylic acid. We are sure that this drug is in every home medicine cabinet. “Aspirin” can be taken for inflammatory diseases, problems with cerebral circulation, hangover syndrome, to thin the blood (as a prevention of thrombosis). Aspirin is often prescribed in the complex treatment of vascular diseases. Contraindications include bleeding disorders, stomach and intestinal ulcers, etc.
Aspirin
Bayer Schering Pharma (Bayer), Germany
The drug Aspirin is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug with analgesic, antipyretic and anti-inflammatory properties.
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Action of NSAIDs
The therapeutic properties of the drugs are achieved by reducing the production of prostaglandin and blocking COX-2 (cyclooxygenase enzyme). These remedies fight the symptoms of the disease, but do not affect its causes. Therefore, additional therapy is needed that eliminates the root cause of the pathology.
NSAIDs are often used for pain relief for:
- inflammatory diseases,
- rheumatism,
- degenerative changes in organs and tissues.
They are also used for migraines and other non-rheumatic diseases and injuries.
Paracetamol
This remedy is suitable for eliminating headaches of various etiologies and is well tolerated by the body. Paracetamol is an affordable and at the same time very effective antipyretic. An antipyretic drug for children, Panadol, is produced based on paracetamol. Paracetamol for headaches can be taken once, or up to four times a day. The duration of treatment should not exceed five days to prevent overdose.
Paracetamol MS
Medisorb, Russia
Paracetamol is used for: relieving moderate or mild pain (headache, toothache, migraine, sore throat, neuralgia, myalgia);
reducing elevated body temperature during colds and other infectious and inflammatory diseases. Paracetamol is intended for symptomatic therapy, reducing pain and inflammation at the time of use, does not affect the progression of the disease. from 4
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Citramon
Citramon is one of the most frequently purchased and affordable headache medications. Take it if the headache is not severe (against the background of elevated temperature or inflammatory processes). "Citramon" improves vascular tone and stimulates blood circulation. These headache tablets contain caffeine, aspirin and paracetamol, that is, Citramon has a complex effect. But you should not take this drug for a long time so that “side effects” do not develop. The daily dose is a maximum of 8 tablets (no more than three days).
Citramon
JSC "Tatkhimfarmpreparaty", Russia; Anzhero-Sudzhensky Chemical and Pharmaceutical Plant, Russia; Pharmstandard-Leksredstva OJSC, Russia; PrJSC Pharmaceutical Company “DARNITSA”, Ukraine
The drug Citramon is an analgesic drug that has analgesic, antipyretic and anti-inflammatory effects.
The components that make up the drug enhance each other's effects. from 4
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The best inexpensive headache medications
The most affordable medications are produced by Russian pharmaceutical companies. They are presented in tablets, sold in various quantities without prescriptions and do not require a doctor's prescription. In this category of the best headache remedies, 4 options can be highlighted.
Analgin 0.5 N20 tablet/Medisorb
This painkiller is interesting because of its low cost, availability in pharmacies and quick effect. The pain goes away literally immediately after taking it. It comes in the form of small white tablets that are easy to swallow with water. One piece is enough to eliminate even a severe migraine, which appears either out of nowhere or caused by toothache, hangover, fever, burns, insect bites, etc.
Analgin from this manufacturer rarely has side effects if all the rules in the instructions are followed. True, it contains so much information that not everyone dares to read it to the end. The drug is recommended by doctors as the best pain reliever for lumbago and other unpleasant sensations in the head caused by poor circulation, but it is also combined with vasodilating medications.
Advantages
- Price;
- Dispensed without a prescription;
- Shelf life: 5 years;
- Convenient release form;
- Tolerable taste.
Flaws
- Not suitable for pregnant women and lactation;
- Use with caution in patients with low blood pressure;
- It has many contraindications.
Practice shows that analgin is most often used for short-term use, and for long-term treatment it is better to choose other medications, for example, Mig.
Paracetamol from Pharmstandard, Russia
In our rating, this is the best headache drug in terms of price. It is produced in Russia, sold in packs of 20 pieces. If necessary, tablets can be taken by pregnant women without risk to the health of the child or their own. It is suitable for children, including those under 6 years old, so it will never be out of place in your first aid kit.
Symptoms of an overdose of Paracetamol are quite rare, only when the norm is exceeded. The medication has the necessary certificates for sale and helps with both acute and dull pain in the head. It is less toxic than analgin, which means it can be taken more often and in larger quantities, which is especially important for migraines caused by high blood pressure.
Advantages
- Has less negative impact on the liver than Analgin and Ibuprofen;
- Shelf life: 3 years;
- Effective for pain caused by colds, dental diseases, etc.;
- Action in 10-15 minutes;
- Long lasting result.
Flaws
- May make you feel drowsy after taking several tablets;
- Incompatibility with oral contraceptives, anticoagulants and other drugs.
According to customer reviews, the weaker the headache, the more pronounced and longer the effect of Paracetamol lasts.
Ibuprofen from Borisov plant, Russia
This is the best remedy for relieving headaches with numerous properties - antipyretic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory. The drug is absorbed without problems in the stomach and intestines, acts quickly and is excreted from the body in full. This minimizes the likelihood of negative effects on the liver, kidneys and cardiovascular system.
Ibuprofen can be used to treat migraines in children over 12 years of age, but it is not recommended for use in younger children. One package contains 50 tablets, which last for a long time. It has a shelf life of 3 years, the cost is affordable, and the effect is bright.
Advantages
- Large list of indications for use;
- Rare side effects;
- A large number of tablets in the package;
- Cheapness;
- Availability;
- Fast results;
- High concentration of active substance in one tablet.
Flaws
- Incompatibility with a large number of drugs;
- Do not use in the last trimesters of pregnancy.
Despite Ibuprofen being recognized as the best remedy for migraines, you should not take it with high blood pressure - it is not suitable for treating pain caused by hypertension.
Citramon from Pharmstandard, Russia
It is difficult to find a better product in terms of price, but its effect is vivid, the pain syndrome is eliminated gradually, but quickly. It helps with pain caused by fever and low blood pressure as it contains caffeine. One tablet combines analgesic, antipyretic and anti-inflammatory properties, which makes the drug universal.
The medication copes with both severe headaches and mild headaches. But, like most drugs, it has a number of contraindications. It combines paracetamol, acetylsalicylic acid and caffeine for one price, and not a high one. The maximum daily dose that is safe for health is 6 tablets. It can be taken 2-3 times a day without consequences; side effects are extremely rare.
Advantages
- Good tolerance by the body;
- Fast absorption;
- Variety of action;
- Wide range of dosages;
- Suitable for pain caused by osteochondrosis.
Flaws
- Sometimes causes mild nausea;
- Increases the side effects of glucocorticoids.
Treatment of headaches with citramone requires constant monitoring of electrolyte and acid-base balance.
Tempalgin
A complex drug for headaches with a sedative effect. Consider this nuance if your work involves increased concentration. "Tempalgin" is good for relieving headaches of various types. These headache pills can be taken for headaches of varying severity. You can take no more than three Tempalgin tablets per day (if there is persistent pain). The duration of headache treatment should not exceed five days.
Tempalgin
Sopharma, Bulgaria
- moderate or mild pain syndrome (including headache, migraine, toothache, neuralgia, radicular syndrome, myalgia, arthralgia, algodismenorrhea), especially in patients with increased nervous excitability;
- mild pain of visceral origin (including renal, hepatic, intestinal colic) in combination with antispasmodic therapy; — pain syndrome after surgical and diagnostic interventions (as an adjuvant); - increased body temperature during colds and other infectious and inflammatory diseases. from 91
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Simple analgesic
Their effectiveness has been proven in the most reliable type of study5 - a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Only with the help of such studies is it possible to form an evidence base on the effectiveness and safety of the drug. The European Federation of Neurological Societies recommends the following substances for the treatment of headaches:
| A drug | Dose |
| ASK | 1000 mg |
| Ibuprofen | 200-800 |
| Paracetamol | 1000 |
| Naproxen | 500-1000 |
| Diclofenac | 50-100 |
| Metamizole | 1000 |
| Tolfenamic acid | 200 |
| Phenazone | 1000 |
Combined analgesics
They consist of two or more substances and are used when the pain is severe and a simple analgesic does not cope.
Many combination analgesics contain barbiturates, codeine and caffeine, which enhance the effect of the simple analgesic. However, it has been proven that they can cause overuse headaches, i.e. headaches caused by excessive drug intake.
Pentalgin
"Pentalgin" is also a complex medicine that has anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic and antipyretic effects. "Pentalgin" slows down the production of hormones that cause pain. Usually, taking one tablet is enough to relieve a headache. It is recommended not to exceed a dose of three Pentalgin tablets per day; you can be treated with this drug for no more than five days.
Pentalgin
OJSC Pharmstandard-Leksredstva, Russia
— pain syndrome of various origins, incl.
pain in joints, muscles, radiculitis, algodismenorrhea, neuralgia, toothache, headache (including those caused by cerebral vasospasm); — pain syndrome associated with spasm of smooth muscles, incl. for chronic cholecystitis, cholelithiasis, postcholecystectomy syndrome, renal colic; — post-traumatic and postoperative pain syndrome, incl. accompanied by inflammation; - colds accompanied by febrile syndrome (as symptomatic therapy). from 57
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Spazgan
These head tablets relieve vasospasm, relieve inflammation and relieve pain. The effect of taking the drug occurs quickly and usually lasts 4-8 hours. And although Spazgan can be bought without a prescription and is indicated for many types of pain, it is still advisable to consult a doctor before taking it. This headache medication is usually taken as a one-time dose. If you need a different application regimen, be sure to read the instructions to avoid side effects.
Spazgan
Wockhardt, India
Mild or moderate pain syndrome due to spasms of the smooth muscles of internal organs - renal and hepatic colic, spastic pain along the intestines, algodismenorrhea.
Can be used for short-term symptomatic treatment of joint pain, neuralgia, sciatica, myalgia. As an adjuvant it can be used to reduce pain after surgical and diagnostic interventions. If necessary, the drug can be used to reduce elevated body temperature during colds and infectious and inflammatory diseases. from 97
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The first table excludes
Thus, it is important for the pharmacist to exclude hypertension, which requires mandatory consultation with a doctor. To do this, you need to ask a few questions.
- Questions about the nature of GB:
- What is the intensity of headache, its nature and localization?
- Are there any accompanying symptoms?
- What causes headache attacks?
- Questions about HD treatment:
- What medications for migraines and headaches has the patient already used or is currently using?
- With what effect?
- Presence of warning symptoms requiring mandatory medical attention:
- Intense headache with a sudden (“explosive”) onset can develop with subarachnoid hemorrhage.
- Headache with an atypical aura lasting more than an hour or motor weakness is characteristic of a cerebrovascular accident - transient ischemic attack or stroke, as well as the presence of an aura without headache, although there was previously migraine with aura.
- An aura that first appears in a patient taking combined oral contraceptives may indicate a risk of stroke.
- Increasing headache that gets worse over several weeks or more, or headache that gets worse with changes in posture, coughing, sneezing, or straining, may indicate the presence of a space-occupying intracranial formation.
- Also requires consultation with a neurologist in headaches accompanied by focal neurological symptoms (shaky gait, unilateral and bilateral paralysis, etc.), and headaches with fever of unknown origin.
- A previous fall or head injury is a reason to see a doctor to rule out a TBI.
The presence of an intense headache, spreading to half of the head, accompanied by nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light and sound, or a typical aura, may indicate a migraine. Severe (even unbearable) unilateral pain in the temple, orbit, or mixed localization, accompanied by a feeling of anxiety and/or autonomic symptoms on the side of pain, indicates the presence of cluster headache. In both cases, the pain syndrome is poorly controlled by conventional analgesics and requires the prescription of specific therapy by a doctor. Headache accompanied by severe pain in the eyes and blurred vision requires exclusion of glaucoma.
Long-term previous use of analgesics allows one to suspect the development of excessive hypertension, which also requires consultation with a neurologist.
Nurofen
A combined drug with anti-inflammatory, antipyretic and analgesic effects. Nurofen is a good pain reliever. If you have a migraine, and you don’t have the usual medications prescribed by a neurologist at hand, you can take Nurofen once. You can take no more than four tablets per day, with breaks between each dose of at least four hours. It is not advisable to take Nurofen for more than three days.
Nurofen Forte
Reckitt Benckiser Healthcare International Ltd, UK
NSAIDs to eliminate: Headache;
migraine; toothache; algodismenorrhea; neuralgia; backache; myalgia; rheumatic pains; fever with influenza and ARVI. from 83
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No-Shpa
Typically, No-Shpu is prescribed for tension headaches (stress, emotional or physical stress). This type of headache is usually mild and without throbbing. “No-Spa” is an antispasmodic that relaxes blood vessels and improves blood circulation. The therapeutic effect occurs literally 15 minutes after taking the tablet. You can take no more than two tablets at a time (no more than 8 per day). Moreover, you cannot take No-Shpu on your own for more than two days unless prescribed by a doctor.
