Basic Drug List for Cancer and AIDS Pain Relief: Analgesics and Adjuvant Drugs| 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.
