Sometimes they are called caplets or gelcaps. Take your medicine with a large glass of water or other liquid, unless your doctor tells you otherwise. Do not take your medicine with alcoholic beverages. If you have trouble swallowing tablets, ask your doctor or nurse about taking liquid pain medicine. Pain medicine also can be injected under the skin or into a muscle or vein.
Some pain medicine is available in suppository form.
The easiest way to take pain medicine is by mouth, but shots or suppositories can be used if you have nausea or problems with swallowing. A skin patch that gradually releases pain medicine into the body is also available. Stop taking the medicine if you notice a rash, wheezing, or shortness of breath. Let your doctor know right away. You need to tell your doctor or nurse if you are having such side effects as indigestion, nausea, dizziness, headache, constipation, or drowsiness.