Pain relievers help manage headaches, muscle pain, arthritis, and other discomforts, but with so many options available, finding the best pain reliever in the Philippines can be confusing. Whether you need relief for period cramps, back pain, or toothache, understanding each type’s benefits and risks is essential.
To help you choose the right pain reliever medicine in the Philippines, we’ve created this expert-backed buying guide with insights from Board-Certified Family Medicine Specialist Dr. Eron Tan. You can also find trusted OTC and prescription pain relievers on Lazada and Shopee for safe and convenient purchasing.
Quick List - Top Pain Relievers
Bayer
Fast-Acting Caffeine-Enhanced Formula for Pain Relief in Just 5 Minutes
Dr. Tan is a Family and Occupational Medicine doctor and college faculty member with expertise in clinical care, preventive medicine, and evidence-based practice. With a strong background in primary and secondary care, research, and community-oriented primary care, he simplifies complex health topics for readers. His experience in occupational health provides insights into workplace well-being and safety, ensuring health-related decisions are grounded in research and reliable medical knowledge.
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Table of Contents
Every mybest article is crafted with hours of in-depth research and interviews with experts. Each month, we are continually expanding our database of products based on our research. By emphasizing user insight and reliable information, we deliver trustworthy content to readers.
NSAIDs can irritate the stomach, while paracetamol may cause liver damage in high doses. Understanding these risks helps prevent complications.
Pain relievers work in different ways, and some may cause adverse effects. NSAIDs like ibuprofen and naproxen can lead to stomach ulcers, kidney strain, and increased blood pressure, while paracetamol may cause liver toxicity if taken in excessive amounts.
People with pre-existing conditions such as high blood pressure, kidney disease, or liver problems should consult a doctor before taking any pain reliever. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should also take special precautions, as some medications can be harmful during pregnancy.
Pain relievers come in different formulations, and the best choice depends on the type and severity of pain. This guide will help you understand which pain reliever is right for you, along with expert-backed recommendations for safe and effective use.
FDA-approved pain relievers meet strict safety standards, ensuring they contain the right dosage and are free from harmful substances.
To ensure safety, always choose FDA-approved pain relievers. These undergo rigorous testing for quality, potency, and safety. Counterfeit medicines, often sold by unauthorized sellers, may contain incorrect ingredients or dangerous impurities.
Check for the FDA registration number on the packaging or verify through the official FDA website. When buying online, purchase only from licensed pharmacies or official stores on platforms like Lazada and Shopee.
Buying pain relievers from unauthorized sellers increases the risk of getting counterfeit or substandard products. Stick to reputable pharmacies and check online reviews before purchasing.
Different pain relievers work best for specific types of pain. Some are ideal for everyday aches, while others provide long-term relief for chronic conditions.
Paracetamol relieves mild pain and fever, while NSAIDs like ibuprofen help with inflammation.
For headaches, muscle pain, and menstrual cramps, over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers provide effective relief. The best choice depends on pain type and severity:
Fast-acting formulations like liquid pain relievers and fast-dissolving tablets provide quicker relief than traditional pills.
Topical pain relievers target sore areas without affecting the whole body, making them a safer choice for muscle and joint pain.
For muscle pain, joint stiffness, and minor injuries, topical pain relievers work directly on the painful area without affecting the rest of the body. They help reduce swelling, improve blood flow, or numb the area depending on the formulation.
Since topicals don’t enter the bloodstream, they are less likely to cause stomach or liver issues. However, they should still be used as directed to avoid skin irritation.
Long-acting NSAIDs like naproxen and celecoxib provide sustained relief for arthritis and gout by reducing inflammation.
For arthritis and gout, pain relief often requires longer-acting medications to manage chronic inflammation and joint pain. These options should be used under medical supervision:
Long-term NSAID use may increase the risk of stomach ulcers, kidney damage, and heart problems. Use the lowest effective dose and take with food.
Paracetamol is the safest pain reliever for pregnancy, seniors, and chronic conditions. NSAIDs should be avoided in high-risk cases.
Pregnant women, seniors, and those with chronic conditions should choose safer pain relief options. Paracetamol is the recommended choice, while NSAIDs should be avoided, especially in late pregnancy due to possible risks to the baby. Breastfeeding mothers may take paracetamol or ibuprofen, but should still consult a doctor.
As mentioned, although paracetamol is generally safe it's still best to consult with a healthcare provider. For example, NSAID is a safer choice for elderly individuals with liver diseases.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | Details | ||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Key Ingredients | Dosage | Best For | Form | Quantity | Pain Intensity | Frequency | Safe for Pregnant or Breastfeeding Women | |||||
1 | Unilab Biogesic Paracetamol | ![]() | Provides Fast Relief for Headaches and Fever | Paracetamol | 500 mg | Fever、Headaches、Mild Body Pain | Tablet | 20 Pieces | Mild to Moderate | Every 4–6 Hours, Max 4 g/Day | ||
2 | Pfizer Advil Liqui-gel | ![]() | Reliable Pain Relief for Headaches, Fever, and Body Aches | Ibuprofen | 200mg | Chronic, Widespread, or Deep Tissue Pain | Softgel | 100 Softgels | Moderate | Every 4–6 Hours, Max 1.2 g/Day | ||
3 | Bayer Saridon Paracetamol/Propyphenazone | ![]() | Fast-Acting Caffeine-Enhanced Formula for Pain Relief in Just 5 Minutes | Paracetamol, Propyphenazone, Caffeine | 250 mg / 150 mg / 50 mg | Headaches、Toothaches、Fever | Tablet | 10 Pieces | Moderate | Up To 3 Times A Day | ||
4 | SouthStar Drug Mefenamic Acid | ![]() | Budget-Friendly Pain Relief for Everyday Aches | Mefenamic Acid | 500 mg | Menstrual Cramps、Body Pain | Tablet | 1 Piece | Moderate to Severe | 3 Times A Day With Food | ||
5 | Flanax Flanax Forte | ![]() | Fast-Acting Formula That Delivers Powerful Relief for Moderate to Severe Pain | Naproxen Sodium | 550 mg | Severe Pain、Post-Op Pain、Arthritis | Tablet | 10 Pieces | Moderate to Severe、Severe | Every 12 Hours, Max 1,100 mg/Day | ||
6 | Hiramitsu Salonpas Medicated Patch | ![]() | Pain Relief Made Easy With Convenient Patches | Methyl Salicylate、Menthol、Camphor | 36mg, 33mg, 7.1mg | Temporary or Localized Pain | Patch | 20 Patches | Localized | |||
7 | Tiger Balm Red Ointment | ![]() | Classic Herbal Remedy for Soothing Muscle and Joint Pain | Menthol、Camphor、Cajuput Oil、Clove Oil | 110mg, 100mg, 70mg, 50mg | Temporary or Localized Pain | Ointment | 30g | Localized | |||
8 | Voltaren 1% Emulgel | ![]() | Deep-Penetrating Gel for Muscle and Joint Pain Relief | Diclofenac | 1.16g per 100g | Chronic, Widespread, or Deep Tissue Pain | Gel | 20g | Moderate to Severe | 3-4 Times Daily | ||
9 | Omega Pain Killer Liniment | ![]() | Get Fast and Lasting Body Pain Relief From Working All Day | Camphor, Menthol, Methyl Salicylate, Turpentine Oil | Body Pain、Muscle Fatigue | Liniment | 120ml | Localized | ||||
10 | Unilab Alaxan FR | ![]() | Dual-Action Formula for Long-Lasting Relief From Pain and Inflammation | Ibuprofen、Paracetamol | 200mg, 325mg | Chronic, Widespread, or Deep Tissue Pain | Capsule | 10 Capsules | Moderate | Every 6 Hours As Needed |
Best For | Fever、Headaches、Mild Body Pain |
---|---|
Pain Intensity | Mild to Moderate |
Features and benefits:
Reviews mention:
Users say that it’s often their preferred choice when they need to recover from a fever quickly. Pregnant and breastfeeding women especially value that it’s safe to use and helps ease symptoms without causing concern for their condition.
Key Ingredients | Paracetamol |
---|---|
Dosage | 500 mg |
Form | Tablet |
Quantity | 20 Pieces |
Frequency | Every 4–6 Hours, Max 4 g/Day |
Safe for Pregnant or Breastfeeding Women |
Best For | Chronic, Widespread, or Deep Tissue Pain |
---|---|
Pain Intensity | Moderate |
Key Ingredients | Ibuprofen |
---|---|
Dosage | 200mg |
Form | Softgel |
Quantity | 100 Softgels |
Frequency | Every 4–6 Hours, Max 1.2 g/Day |
Safe for Pregnant or Breastfeeding Women |
Best For | Headaches、Toothaches、Fever |
---|---|
Pain Intensity | Moderate |
What makes it stand out? A caffeine-enhanced formula that works in just 5 minutes! Perfect for busy individuals, this option ensures that pain won’t slow you down. However, it is not recommended for pregnant and lactating mothers due to its caffeine content. If you are unsure about its suitability, consulting a doctor before use is advised
Key Ingredients | Paracetamol, Propyphenazone, Caffeine |
---|---|
Dosage | 250 mg / 150 mg / 50 mg |
Form | Tablet |
Quantity | 10 Pieces |
Frequency | Up To 3 Times A Day |
Safe for Pregnant or Breastfeeding Women |
Best For | Menstrual Cramps、Body Pain |
---|---|
Pain Intensity | Moderate to Severe |
Balancing affordability and effectiveness, this pain reliever is a go-to choice for budget-conscious Filipinos who need reliable pain relief. While it requires a doctor’s prescription, this ensures proper guidance and safe use, helping you maximize its benefits.
Southstar Drug Mefenamic Acid effectively treats mild to moderate pain, including toothaches, menstrual cramps, and body aches. As a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), it reduces inflammation, offering lasting relief for various types of discomfort.
Key Ingredients | Mefenamic Acid |
---|---|
Dosage | 500 mg |
Form | Tablet |
Quantity | 1 Piece |
Frequency | 3 Times A Day With Food |
Safe for Pregnant or Breastfeeding Women |
Best For | Severe Pain、Post-Op Pain、Arthritis |
---|---|
Pain Intensity | Moderate to Severe、Severe |
When ordinary pain relievers just won't cut it, Flanax Forte steps in with its potent 550 mg naproxen sodium formulation. This prescription-strength medication targets moderate to severe pain, providing quick and long-lasting relief for various conditions, from intense headaches to post-operative discomfort.
Flanax Forte's fast-acting formula begins working within 20 minutes of ingestion, making it an ideal choice for those needing rapid pain relief. Its extended duration of action means fewer doses are needed throughout the day, offering convenience for busy individuals. However, as with any strong medication, it's important to follow dosage instructions carefully and consult a healthcare professional if symptoms persist.
Key Ingredients | Naproxen Sodium |
---|---|
Dosage | 550 mg |
Form | Tablet |
Quantity | 10 Pieces |
Frequency | Every 12 Hours, Max 1,100 mg/Day |
Safe for Pregnant or Breastfeeding Women |
Best For | Temporary or Localized Pain |
---|---|
Pain Intensity | Localized |
Key Ingredients | Methyl Salicylate、Menthol、Camphor |
---|---|
Dosage | 36mg, 33mg, 7.1mg |
Form | Patch |
Quantity | 20 Patches |
Frequency | |
Safe for Pregnant or Breastfeeding Women |
Best For | Temporary or Localized Pain |
---|---|
Pain Intensity | Localized |
Key Ingredients | Menthol、Camphor、Cajuput Oil、Clove Oil |
---|---|
Dosage | 110mg, 100mg, 70mg, 50mg |
Form | Ointment |
Quantity | 30g |
Frequency | |
Safe for Pregnant or Breastfeeding Women |
Best For | Chronic, Widespread, or Deep Tissue Pain |
---|---|
Pain Intensity | Moderate to Severe |
Key Ingredients | Diclofenac |
---|---|
Dosage | 1.16g per 100g |
Form | Gel |
Quantity | 20g |
Frequency | 3-4 Times Daily |
Safe for Pregnant or Breastfeeding Women |
Omega is one of the well-known brands when it comes to pain relief products. It provides fast and lasting relief from body pain, making it ideal for highly active individuals or those who work all day. It also helps ease tension in aching muscles with an anti-itching effect, so it can address various concerns, from muscle fatigue to insect bites.
It is made from camphor, eucalyptol, menthol, methyl salicylate, and turpentine oil as active ingredients that can help relieve pain. Several buyers who bought this also found it very effective against stiff muscles, and they loved its warm and relaxing components. Just note that this needs to be shaken before directly applying it to the affected area.
Key Ingredients | Camphor, Menthol, Methyl Salicylate, Turpentine Oil |
---|---|
Dosage | |
Form | Liniment |
Quantity | 120ml |
Frequency | |
Safe for Pregnant or Breastfeeding Women |
Best For | Chronic, Widespread, or Deep Tissue Pain |
---|---|
Pain Intensity | Moderate |
Key Ingredients | Ibuprofen、Paracetamol |
---|---|
Dosage | 200mg, 325mg |
Form | Capsule |
Quantity | 10 Capsules |
Frequency | Every 6 Hours As Needed |
Safe for Pregnant or Breastfeeding Women |
Below, Board-Certified Family Medicine Specialist Dr. Eron Tan answers common questions to help you make informed decisions.
Mefenamic acid, ibuprofen, and naproxen work best for menstrual pain due to their anti-inflammatory effects.
Some pain relievers can be combined, such as paracetamol with ibuprofen, but mixing multiple NSAIDs or opioids is dangerous. Always consult a doctor before taking different painkillers together.
Some herbal remedies, like turmeric and capsaicin, have shown benefits, but most lack strong clinical evidence. Always consult a healthcare provider before use.
Whether you're nursing a headache, fighting fatigue, or recovering from a long day, having the right essentials on hand makes all the difference. From soothing relief to daily health boosts, these trusted finds are here to support you through every ache, strain, or sniffle.
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Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, in collaboration with the expert featured in this article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
No. 1: Unilab|Biogesic Paracetamol
No. 2: Pfizer|Advil Liqui-gel
No. 3: Bayer|Saridon Paracetamol/Propyphenazone
No. 4: SouthStar Drug|Mefenamic Acid
No. 5: Flanax|Flanax Forte
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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