Can I take painkillers for gallstone pain?

It is not recommended to take painkillers on your own when experiencing pain from gallstones. You should first seek medical attention to determine the exact cause of the pain and use targeted medications under a doctor's guidance, avoiding self-medication that may mask the condition or lead to risks. The detailed explanation is as follows:

Gallstone pain is mostly biliary colic, caused by gallstones blocking the cystic duct and strong contractions of the gallbladder. Pain relief should primarily focus on relieving spasms rather than merely suppressing pain. First, common over-the-counter painkillers are generally ineffective for biliary colic because they cannot relieve gallbladder spasms, potentially delaying proper treatment. If strong analgesics are taken, although they may temporarily relieve pain, they can mask the underlying condition. Gallstone-related pain may be accompanied by serious complications such as gallbladder perforation, bile duct obstruction, or pancreatitis. Once the pain is relieved, these dangerous conditions may be overlooked, leading to delayed diagnosis.

Secondly, different painkillers have specific indications and contraindications. For example, patients with gastric ulcers should avoid nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Doctors will select appropriate medications based on the patient’s underlying health conditions and severity of pain. Typically, they prescribe antispasmodic drugs to relieve gallbladder spasms, combined with safe analgesics. If there is infection or other underlying causes, antibiotics may also be added to address the root triggers of pain.

Therefore, when experiencing gallstone pain, you should seek immediate medical care to assess the severity of the condition and receive properly guided, standardized medication. Do not purchase or take painkillers on your own, as this could pose greater risks to your health.