PROS AND CONS OF MEDICATION
IBUPROFEN
This non-steroidal antiinflammatory drug (NSAID) works by targeting and reducing the production of prostaglandins, hormone-like chemicals responsible for inflammation, pain and fever.
Brands: Nurofen, Cuprofen, Anadin Ibuprofen.
Dose: No more than two 200mg tablets every four to six hours. A maximum of six 200mg tablets – 1200mg – in a 24-hour period. PROS ■ Useful for treating sporting injuries and inflamed joints. ■ Available as tablets, capsules, gel or cream, sprays and liquid (for kids). CONS ■ Can damage the stomach and gastro-intestinal tract if taken in high doses, especially in the over 50s. Prolonged and heavy use can lead to blood pressure and kidney problems. Can cause asthma attacks in asthmatics. ■ Can interact with some antidepressants, beta–blockers and diuretics. ■ Take with or after food to avoid gastric irritation.
TOP TIP If taken regularly, speak to your GP about also taking a proton-pump inhibitor to protect the stomach.
PARACETAMOL
This blocks prostaglandins, stopping pain messages to the brain and lowers temperature.
Brands: Hedex, Panadol, Disprol. Dose: One or two 500mg tablets up to four times a day. No more than eight tablets – 4000mg – can be taken in 24 hours. PROS ■ Safe for all ages over three months, including pregnant and breastfeeding women, for general pain relief such as backache and headaches. ■ Has fewer side effects than NSAIDs and doesn’t cause stomach irritation. ■ Available in tablets, caplets, capsules, liquid and effervescent tablets (for children) and suppositories. CONS ■ Toxic to the liver so never exceed maximum dose. ■ Doesn’t reduce inflammation.
TOP TIP Brands marked “extra” may contain caffeine, which can enhance pain relief but may affect sleep.
ASPIRIN
Reducs the production of prostaglandins.
Brands: Aspro Clear, Disprin, Anadin.
Dose: One to three 300mg tablets every four hours. No more than 12 tablets – 3600mg in total – in 24 hours. PROS ■ Good for headaches, sore throats and flu symptoms. CONS: ■ Not suitable for under 16s. ■ Can cause stomach ulcers. ■ Can cause thinning of the blood so not suitable for those on warfarin. Can interact with certain prescription medicines.
TOP TIP In lower doses, aspirin helps prevent clots that can cause stroke or heart attack. Discuss with GP before taking.
CODEINE
An opioid that mimics endorphins and enkephalins. It doesn’t work well on its own so is usually sold with paracetamol or ibuprofen.
Brands: Solpadeine, Co-codamol, Nurofen Plus, Feminax, Migraleve.
Dose: Read instructions but, for example, Co-codamol has 8mg of codeine with 500mg of paracetamol, taken four-hourly, with no more than four doses in 24-hours. PROS ■ Effective for arthritis, muscle and ligament pains and period pain. CONS ■ Addictive, so it should not be taken for more than three days. ■ Can cause drowsiness, nausea and constipation. TOP TIP Take the smallest dose needed for the shortest period.
Don’t take painkillers along with other medicines, such as combination cold and flu medicines, which can contain the same drugs. And don’t take ibuprofen with NSAID creams and gels.