| Category Analgesics | Basic drugs | Alternatives |
|---|---|---|
| Nonopioids | Acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) | Choline magnesium trisalicylate |
| Acetaminophen | Diflunisal | |
| Ibuprofen | Naproxen | |
| Indomethacin | Diclofenac | |
| Opioids for mild to moderate pain | Codeine | Dihydrocodeine |
| Hydrocodone | ||
| Tramadol | ||
| Opioids for moderate to severe pain | Morphine | Methadone |
| Hydromorphone | ||
| Oxycodone | ||
| Pethidine | ||
| Buprenorphine | ||
| Fentanyl | ||
| Opioid antagonists | Naloxone | Nalorphine |
| Adjuvant drugs for analgesia and symptom control | ||
| Antiemetics | Prochlorperazine | Metoclopramide |
| Ondansetron | ||
| Laxatives | Senna | Cisacodyl |
| Sodium docusate | Bran | |
| Mineral oil | Dantron | |
| Lactulose | Sorbitol | |
| Magnesium hydroxide | ||
| Antidiarrheal agents | Loperamide | Paregoric |
| Diphenoxylate hydrochloride and atropine sulfate | ||
| Antidepressants (adjuvant analgesics) | Amitriptyline | Imipramine |
| Paroxetine | ||
| Antipsychotic | Haloperidol | Thorazine |
| Anticonvulsants (adjuvant analgesics) | Gabapentin | Valproic acid |
| Carbamazepine | ||
| Corticosteroids | Prednisone | Prednisolone |
| Dexamethasone | ||
| Anxiolytics | Diazepam | Clonazepam |
| Lorazepam | ||
| Midazolam | ||
| Psychostimulants | Methylphenidate | Pemoline |
Source: Foley, Aulino, and Stjernsward 2003.
From: Chapter 52, Pain Control for People with Cancer and AIDS
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