PAIN KILLERS
What are painkillers and NSAIDs?
Painkillers and NSAIDs, are types of drugs called analgesics, which are used to treat pain.
The greatest difference is that painkillers target the levels of pain you’re feeling, by interrupting pain signals before they get to the brain.
NSAIDs, which can also be called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, help manage pain and fever, mostly by reducing inflammation.
However, if you have long term pain or inflammation, they are unlikely to improve the underlying problem that’s causing it.
Painkillers and NSAIDs, are types of drugs called analgesics, which are used to treat pain.
The greatest difference is that painkillers target the levels of pain you’re feeling, by interrupting pain signals before they get to the brain.
NSAIDs, which can also be called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, help manage pain and fever, mostly by reducing inflammation.
However, if you have long term pain or inflammation, they are unlikely to improve the underlying problem that’s causing it.
Painkillers and NSAIDs you can buy
Some painkillers and NSAIDs are available to buy from pharmacies, shops, or supermarkets. They are often recommended for managing mild to moderate pain yourself, over a short period of time.
These include:
- the painkiller - paracetamol
- NSAIDs – ibuprofen, aspirin, and diclofenac gel
- compound painkillers – co-codamol, paracetamol and ibuprofen, ibuprofen and codeine.
Your healthcare professional may also recommend using these drugs under their guidance over the long term, to help manage your condition.
Most people can use over-the-counter pain relief. However, some people may need to be cautious. Seek advice from a pharmacist or healthcare professional before taking them if you:
- are underweight
- are aged under 16, or over 65
- are pregnant or breastfeeding
- have lung problems, such as asthma
- have ever had fits or seizures
- have allergies
- have persistent headaches
- have problems with your liver or kidneys
- have had ulcers or bleeding in your stomach
- have had problems with your heart, liver, kidneys, blood pressure, or circulation
- are taking other medicines
- have had a stroke
- drink more than 14 units of alcohol a week
- have a condition affecting your connective tissue, such as lupus.
Painkillers containing codeine should only be taken for three days at most without medical advice. Taking other over-the-counter drugs for longer than ten days without guidance from a healthcare professional, could increase your risk of side effects such as problems with your stomach, heart, liver, or kidneys.
If over-the-counter drugs haven’t improved your pain your doctor may prescribe stronger pain medication or another type of treatment.
Some painkillers and NSAIDs are available to buy from pharmacies, shops, or supermarkets. They are often recommended for managing mild to moderate pain yourself, over a short period of time.
These include:
- the painkiller - paracetamol
- NSAIDs – ibuprofen, aspirin, and diclofenac gel
- compound painkillers – co-codamol, paracetamol and ibuprofen, ibuprofen and codeine.
Your healthcare professional may also recommend using these drugs under their guidance over the long term, to help manage your condition.
Most people can use over-the-counter pain relief. However, some people may need to be cautious. Seek advice from a pharmacist or healthcare professional before taking them if you:
- are underweight
- are aged under 16, or over 65
- are pregnant or breastfeeding
- have lung problems, such as asthma
- have ever had fits or seizures
- have allergies
- have persistent headaches
- have problems with your liver or kidneys
- have had ulcers or bleeding in your stomach
- have had problems with your heart, liver, kidneys, blood pressure, or circulation
- are taking other medicines
- have had a stroke
- drink more than 14 units of alcohol a week
- have a condition affecting your connective tissue, such as lupus.
Painkillers containing codeine should only be taken for three days at most without medical advice. Taking other over-the-counter drugs for longer than ten days without guidance from a healthcare professional, could increase your risk of side effects such as problems with your stomach, heart, liver, or kidneys.
If over-the-counter drugs haven’t improved your pain your doctor may prescribe stronger pain medication or another type of treatment.
Risks and side effects
You should always check the manufacturer’s advice for guidance on ingredients and how much you can take over 24 hours.
Children, aged under 16, should not take aspirin unless it’s prescribed by a doctor, as it can cause an illness called Reye’s syndrome, which can damage the brain and liver, and could be fatal.
You should always check the manufacturer’s advice for guidance on ingredients and how much you can take over 24 hours.
Children, aged under 16, should not take aspirin unless it’s prescribed by a doctor, as it can cause an illness called Reye’s syndrome, which can damage the brain and liver, and could be fatal.
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