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Pain & Anti-inflammatoriesPain & Anti-inflammatories

NSAIDs, corticosteroids and muscle relaxants for pain, inflammation and related conditions make up this wide-ranging collection of fifteen medicines, including Celebrex, Arcoxia, Mobic and Voveran Sr.

Celebrex

Celecoxib

100mg · 200mg

Celecoxib capsules for osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. It belongs to a class of painkillers that is easier on the stomach than traditional NSAIDs.

From$0.85/ capsuleView

Arcoxia

Etoricoxib

60mg · 90mg · 120mg

Etoricoxib tablets for osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. It is a COX-2 selective NSAID, designed to reduce stomach-related side effects.

From$1.04/ tabletView

Mobic

Meloxicam

7.5mg · 15mg

Meloxicam tablets for osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. It is an NSAID that calms inflammation in the joints.

From$0.75/ tabletView

Voveran Sr

Diclofenac

100mg

Diclofenac tablets for osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. It reduces inflammation by blocking chemical messengers that cause pain.

From$0.42/ tabletView

Deltasone

Prednisone

5mg · 10mg · 20mg · 40mg

Prednisone tablets for inflammatory conditions and allergic reactions. It binds to receptors inside cells to block the production of inflammatory signals.

From$0.23/ tabletView

Prednisolone Tablets

Prednisolone

5mg · 10mg · 20mg · 40mg

Prednisolone tablets for inflammatory conditions and allergies. It dampens the immune response, so it should be tapered off rather than stopped abruptly.

From$0.50/ tabletView

Flexeril

Cyclobenzaprine

15mg

Cyclobenzaprine tablets for muscle spasms. It targets the brain to relax tense muscles.

From$2.72/ tabletView

Robaxin

Methocarbamol

500mg

Methocarbamol tablets for acute muscle pain and spasms. They calm the central nervous system, not the muscle itself.

From$0.89/ tabletView

Lioresal

Baclofen

10mg · 25mg

Baclofen tablets for spasticity and muscle spasms. It calms the overactive reflexes that keep muscles tight.

From$1.07/ tabletView

Tizacare

Tizanidine

2mg

Tizanidine tablets for muscle spasms and stiffness. It calms nerve signals that cause muscles to tighten.

From$1.24/ tabletView

Imitrex

Sumatriptan

25mg · 50mg · 100mg

Sumatriptan tablets for migraine and cluster headaches. It narrows brain blood vessels and calms the inflammation behind the pain.

From$3.95/ tabletView

Ponstel

Mefenamic Acid

250mg · 500mg

Mefenamic acid tablets for acute pain and period cramps. It is often reserved for when standard painkillers have not been enough for period pain.

From$0.59/ tabletView

Indocin

Indometacin

25mg · 50mg · 75mg

Indometacin capsules for osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. It reduces joint pain by blocking prostaglandin production.

From$0.63/ capsuleView

Key points

  • NSAIDs reduce pain and inflammation and include several oral and topical ingredients.
  • This range spans several different mechanisms: NSAIDs, corticosteroids, muscle relaxants and migraine medicines each have a different role, not one shared action.
  • Chronic pain guidance distinguishes pain management from treating an underlying condition.
  • Muscle relaxants such as Flexeril and Robaxin target muscle spasms, a different role from the NSAIDs and corticosteroids also in this range.

Celebrex, Arcoxia and other NSAIDs in this range

Celecoxib is the ingredient in Celebrex, and etoricoxib is in Arcoxia, both listed for osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Mobic (meloxicam) is listed for the same two conditions. Diclofenac appears in both Diclofenac Tablets and Voveran Sr, also listed for osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Indocin (indometacin) is listed for the same joint conditions plus gouty arthritis, while Ponstel (mefenamic acid) is listed for acute pain and primary dysmenorrhoea.

Corticosteroids, muscle relaxants and other pain medicines

Deltasone (prednisone) and Prednisolone Tablets are corticosteroids listed for inflammatory conditions and allergic states. Flexeril (cyclobenzaprine), Robaxin (methocarbamol), Lioresal (baclofen) and Tizacare (tizanidine) are muscle relaxants listed for muscle spasms or spasticity. Imitrex (sumatriptan) is listed for migraine and cluster headache, a different role again, and Low Dose Naltrexone Capsules are listed for fibromyalgia and multiple sclerosis-associated fatigue.

Further reading

Which pain and anti-inflammatory medicines can I buy on Direct Meds?

Direct Meds lists 15 pain and anti-inflammatory medicines. Together they contain 14 different active ingredients, including diclofenac, celecoxib and etoricoxib. Examples include Celebrex and Arcoxia; all 15 medicines are listed on this page.

Do you sell muscle relaxants in South Africa?

Yes. Muscle relaxants on Direct Meds include Flexeril (cyclobenzaprine), Robaxin (methocarbamol), Lioresal (baclofen) and Tizacare (tizanidine).

What do pain and anti-inflammatory medicines treat?

Between them, the pain and anti-inflammatory medicines on Direct Meds are used for osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, muscle spasms, acute pain and gouty arthritis.

What forms do pain and anti-inflammatory medicines come in?

Mostly as tablets, with some capsules. The forms and strengths are listed on each product page.

How do I compare pain and anti-inflammatory medicines?

Start with the active ingredient: there are 14 different ones in this range. Products with the same active ingredient contain the same medicine. Compare their strength, form and price per unit. Each product page's details table lists uses, how quickly it works, side effects and interactions. If you take other medicines, are pregnant or have a long-term condition, check with a doctor or pharmacist first.

Are the pain and anti-inflammatory medicines on Direct Meds generics?

Mostly, yes. Names such as Celebrex and Arcoxia identify the medicine: you receive a generic with the same active ingredient and strength. Others, such as Voveran SR and Tizacare, are listed under their own names; for these you receive a branded generic or generic with the same active ingredient, depending on stock.

What you will receive →

How much do pain and anti-inflammatory medicines cost in South Africa?

Compare each medicine, strength and pack on its product page. Prices are shown in rand, converted from US dollars, so the final rand total can change with the exchange rate. Larger packs usually cost less per unit.

Payment and prices →

Are pain and anti-inflammatory medicines available over the counter in South Africa?

Yes, online. Direct Meds does not ask for a prescription to order pain and anti-inflammatory medicines. We are a broker, not a dispensing pharmacy. We arrange orders and delivery with our affiliated supplier on your behalf.

Ordering without a prescription →

Can I order pain and anti-inflammatory medicines online in South Africa?

Yes. Choose a product, strength and pack, then check out. Our affiliated supplier delivers across South Africa. Estimated delivery is 7 days with Express Delivery, which includes online tracking, or up to 3 weeks with Regular Delivery.

How ordering works →

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