What is the first-choice medication for mild cancer pain?
There is no such concept as "first-choice medication for mild cancer pain." In general, for mild cancer pain, medications such as ibuprofen sustained-release capsules, aspirin and codeine tablets, local anesthetic patches, acetaminophen tablets, and diclofenac sodium sustained-release tablets may be used under medical guidance. The details are as follows:
1. Ibuprofen Sustained-Release Capsules: Ibuprofen sustained-release capsules are over-the-counter medications whose main ingredient is ibuprofen. Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that provides analgesic, antipyretic, and anti-inflammatory effects. The sustained-release formulation allows slow drug release, enabling prolonged action and reduced dosing frequency, thus offering certain effectiveness for mild cancer pain.
2. Aspirin and Codeine Tablets: This is a combination medication containing aspirin and codeine. Aspirin is an over-the-counter drug with analgesic properties. Codeine is an opioid that acts on the central nervous system to relieve pain.
3. Local Anesthetic Patches: These are medicated patches used for local anesthesia, commonly applied to the skin surface to reduce or eliminate localized pain.
4. Acetaminophen Tablets: Acetaminophen tablets are over-the-counter medications containing acetaminophen as the active ingredient, which directly acts on sensitive pain sites to provide relief.
5. Diclofenac Sodium Sustained-Release Tablets: This medication belongs to the class of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and can be used for moderate to acute pain, with relatively minor side effects.
Before using any medication, it is essential to consult a doctor or qualified healthcare professional.