Over-The-Counter Painkillers

Over-The-Counter Painkillers

Over-The-Counter Painkillers: OTC painkillers are those that can be purchased without a doctor’s prescription. You may be able to purchase them from a pharmacy or a store. OTC pain relievers include paracetamol, ibuprofen, low-dose codeine, dihydrocodeine, and aspirin.

Uses of over-the-counter painkillers

You can use over-the-counter painkillers for short-term relief of minor pain. They can also help to reduce a fever. Examples of when you might want to use them include:

• headache
• period pain
• back pain
• earache
• toothache and teething
• sinusitis
• sprains and strains
• recovering from minor medical procedures
• fever – such as in colds or flu

If you need painkillers to treat long-term (chronic) pain – for example, pain from arthritis – you should see a GP. They may be able to prescribe stronger painkillers or for a longer duration than what you can buy over the counter.

Types of over-the-counter painkiller

• The primary over-the-counter painkillers are:
• paracetamol (such as Panadol or Calpol®)
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen (for example, Nurofen and Calprofen®) and aspirin (for example, Anadin)
• Codeine and dihydrocodeine are mild opioid medicines that are commonly used with paracetamol.

If you are in mild-to-moderate pain, paracetamol is usually the best pain reliever to start with. However, NSAIDs like ibuprofen may be more effective for pain caused by inflammation. If the initial pain reliever does not work for you, you can try another one. You can also take several sorts together, such as paracetamol and ibuprofen.

What exactly you’re taking the painkiller for will determine which one is best for you. It will also depend on whether you take any other medications or have any medical issues. See our sections on interactions and specific concerns for further details.

How over-the-counter painkillers work

Painkillers vary in how they function. Aspirin and ibuprofen, two anti-inflammatory pain relievers, prevent your body from producing prostaglandins. Inflammation and pain are partially brought on by prostaglandins in your body. Therefore, lower prostaglandin levels can lower inflammation and pain. The precise mode of action of paracetamol is unknown. However, it has been demonstrated to lessen prostaglandin synthesis in the brain and spinal cord. Inflammation is not decreased by paracetamol. However, it can lower a fever and ease pain.

Codeine and other opiate medicines function by preventing your brain and spinal cord from receiving pain signals. Since different types of painkillers have distinct effects, some products contain more than one kind of painkiller. For instance, codeine can be used with aspirin, paracetamol, or ibuprofen. Read the patient information booklets that accompany your medications if you use multiple painkillers to ensure that you don’t inadvertently take too much. If you are unsure, seek counsel from a pharmacist.

Taking over-the-counter painkillers

You can buy over-the-counter (OTC) painkillers in several different forms, including:

• tablets, caplets (coated and rounded tablets) or capsules that you swallow
• a powder or tablet to dissolve in water
• a liquid or syrup
• suppositories – soft, shaped tablets that you put into your back passage
• gels or creams that you rub into your skin
• patches that you put on your skin

OTC painkillers are available without a prescription from a doctor from pharmacies, supermarkets, and other stores. Only pharmacies or supermarkets sell packs of 16 paracetamol or ibuprofen tablets. If you purchase them from a pharmacist, bundles of up to 32 pills or capsules are available. Legally, retailers and pharmacies aren’t permitted to offer you more than two packs at once. This is to stop anyone from purposefully or unintentionally consuming too many.

How much to take

Carefully read the patient information leaflet that is included with your over-the-counter medication. This will provide you with details regarding the dosage, such as the precise amount and the recommended number of doses. It’s possible that the product packaging will also feature this. Most over-the-counter medications can typically be taken every four to six hours.

Certain other medications, such cold and flu remedies, also include analgesics like paracetamol. Therefore, carefully read the labels of any other medications you are taking if you need to take a painkiller. If you’re not sure, ask your pharmacist for guidance. Take codeine-containing pain relievers for no more than three days at a time. See your GP if the pain persists after this period.

Taking too much

Any medication might be harmful if used in excess. Overdosing on paracetamol can have potentially fatal consequences for your liver. There may not be any signs for a day or so following. Overdosing on NSAIDs can result in tinnitus, a condition that impairs hearing, as well as other health issues. Excessive aspirin use can cause hyperventilation, or rapid breathing. It can also make you sweat a lot and create hearing issues.

See a doctor as soon as you believe you may have taken too much medication.

Interactions of over-the-counter painkillers

Aspirin and ibuprofen are examples of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) that can interact with a number of other medications. These include antidepressants, blood pressure reducers, and anticoagulant medications (like warfarin). If you take lithium, methotrexate, or steroids in addition to ibuprofen, see your physician or pharmacist before starting any new medication.

Avoid alcohol and sedatives if you are taking medications that include codeine. When combined, they can cause extreme somnolence and respiratory distress. In general, taking paracetamol with other medications is safe. However, if you’re unsure, especially if you have any issues with liver function, consult your physician or pharmacist. You may find out more about possible drug interactions from the patient information sheet that is included with your medication.

Children and over-the-counter painkillers

Ibuprofen and paracetamol can help reduce fever in infants and children, as well as relieve pain and discomfort. At two months old, you can start giving paracetamol, and at three months old, you can start giving ibuprofen. You can try the other medication if neither of these seems to be helping after trying them both. You can also switch off between administering ibuprofen and paracetamol. However, avoid giving both medications at the same time. Always read the patient information leaflet that is included with the medication, and consult your pharmacist with any questions you may have.

See your GP or pharmacist for guidance on how much to give if your baby is younger than three months old.

Side-effects of over-the-counter painkillers

As long as you closely follow the directions on how to take over-the-counter (OTC) painkillers, you shouldn’t have any adverse effects. When taken as prescribed, paracetamol side effects are uncommon. Your stomach may be impacted by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen and aspirin. You may experience heartburn or indigestion, experience diarrhea, or feel unwell. For this reason, taking NSAIDs with meal or a glass of milk is highly advised. If you have asthma, speak with your doctor or pharmacist about NSAIDs as they may exacerbate your symptoms.

Codeine is one example of an opioid medication that might make you feel sick and constipated. Opioid painkillers can also cause drowsiness, so avoid using them if you have to drive or operate machinery.