HOW IT WORKS: The drug blocks prostoglandins which send messages to the brain that the body is in pain.
SIDE-EFFECTS: Very rare. No stomach upset or bleeding, so can be taken by people with ulcers. But taking it continually for several days can lead to overdosing and liver damage.
It's very difficult to detect an overdose until the liver is already damaged.
MAXIMUM DOSE: For adults, 500mg to 1g every four to six hours, with a maximum of eight 500mg tablets in 24 hours. Children's doses depend on age and weight, so check instructions and choose preparations formulated for children.
Watch out for hidden paracetamol in cough, cold and flu remedies. If you take these with paracetamol tablets, you could go over the limit.
Check with your doctor before taking if you have liver or kidney problems and are using other medication. Pregnant and breast-feeding women should check with their GP and pharmacist first.
IBUPROFEN
Available under brand names such as Nurofen and Cuprofen, too. Comes in tablet, capsule, cream and gel form (the last two for muscles and joints) as well as a syrup for children.
USE IT FOR: Relieving joint, muscular, arthritis and dental pain. It can also reduce swelling and inflammation and lower temperature.
Gels and creams provide 'local' relief. Elderly people who are more prone to stomach irritation and bleeding should avoid it in favour of paracetamol.
HOW IT WORKS: Also known as a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), ibuprofen blocks chemicals produced by the body as a response to pain. It does this at the source of the problem, hastening the healing process.
SIDE-EFFECTS: Quite rare, although ibuprofen can irritate stomach lining, causing heartburn, indigestion and occasionally nausea because it breaks down stomach acids. If your pain is also making you feel nauseous, you should avoid ibuprofen.
Signs of an overdose include stomach pain, nausea and vomiting with blood.
MAXIMUM DOSE: 400mg three times a day for general pain relief. Mr Woodward points out that tablets come in 200mg and 400mg forms, so check labels.
With gels or creams, the amount of ibuprofen absorbed by the skin is minimal. If you take ibuprofen tablets and use a gel, it is better to use a herbal rub. Or use ibuprofen gel and take paracetamol tablets.
Unsuitable for asthmatics as it can constrict the airways. It can also increase blood pressure, so if you have high blood pressure consult your GP.
Avoid it if you have kidney or liver problems, have had a stomach ulcer, or suffer from other digestive problems such as heartburn and constipation.
CODEINE
Sold mainly in combined brands such as Nurofen Plus (codeine and ibuprofen) or solpadeine (paracetamol with codeine).
USE IT FOR: When a high dose of one-off pain relief, is needed such as after tooth extraction, as it gives the gums and body time to recover, says Mr Woodward. (It is often combined with other painkillers.)
Good for menstrual pain as it can relax constricted stomach muscles that can cause cramps. Unsuitable for children.
HOW IT WORKS: Codeine is related to morphine, but gives relief from pain without the euphoria. It blocks pain receptors found at the ends of nerves, stopping pain from reaching the brain.
SIDE-EFFECTS: Serious effects are rare, although constipation is common. Signs of overdose depend on which other form of pain relief codeine is combined with.
MAXIMUM DOSE: 120 to 240mg daily for treating pain. Tell your GP if you have liver, kidney or lung problems.
ASPIRIN
Also sold as Disprin and Aspro Clear as well as in combined preparations such as Anadin. Soluble tablets will act more quickly. Coated tablets, known as enteric-coated aspirin, partly protect the stomach from irritation, but take longer to work.
USE IT FOR: Pain relief and to reduce inflammation, and to alleviate joint pain.
Good for colds and flu because it will lower temperature. Gargling with then swallowing soluble aspirin is good for throat infections.
Take it as a 'one-hit' drug to relieve the pain of a sudden headache or toothache, rather than throughout the day for a continual problem, suggests Mr Woodward.
In low doses, it can also help to prevent blood clots and so cut the risk of heart attacks and strokes in people with conditions such as diabetes. But do not start a regime of daily aspirin without consulting your GP, as the dosage is different from recommendations for pain relief.
HOW IT WORKS: Like ibruprofen, it numbs the point of pain, such as a cut or wound, and blocks the formation of prostoglandins, which are responsible for pain and inflammation.
It breaks down platelets in the blood, making them less likely to clot and block narrowed blood vessels.
SIDE-EFFECTS: It can irritate the stomach, causing stomach ulcers or bleeding.
It can also cause Reye's syndrome, a rare brain and liver condition in children. So it shouldn't be given to children under 16 except under medical supervision.
Some people are allergic to aspirin, experiencing a rash, breathing difficulties and swelling in the face. Asthmatics should avoid it, as it can trigger attacks. Signs of an overdose include stomach pain, nausea, vomiting with blood and ringing in the ears.
MAXIMUM DOSE: In 24 hours, take one to three 300mg tablets every four to six hours. Capsules are usually 300mg.
Doses for preventing blood clots are around 75mg a day. Some powders contain more than 300mg, so read labels. Eat first to reduce chances of irritation to the stomach.
Consult your doctor if you are taking anti-coagulants as aspirin thins the blood and increases the risk of bleeding.
Avoid if you have asthma, have had a stomach ulcer or are taking other medication. Unless prescribed for helping to prevent blood clots, you should not take aspirin for longer than two days, except on doctor's advice.
Don't take it before or after surgery until advised by your doctor, as you may bleed excessively. |
