Pain Relief – Analgesics

Analgesics treat the symptom of pain rather than being a condition themselves, arising from causes such as:

• Headaches

• Muscle strain

• Dental pain

• Period pain

• Minor injuries

A pharmacist typically assesses the type, location, severity and duration of pain, along with any red-flag features (chest pain, severe or worsening pain, pain with other concerning symptoms) that would need medical assessment rather than self-treatment

Treatment should be tailored to the type of pain and individual circumstances. Options may include:

• Paracetamol for mild to moderate pain or fever

• NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen or naproxen, for pain associated with inflammation, where appropriate

• Topical NSAIDs (gels or creams) for localised muscle and joint pain

• Codeine-containing medicines for short-term treatment of moderate pain when other analgesics have not provided adequate relief

• Non-medicinal measures, such as rest, ice, heat, gentle exercise or physiotherapy, depending on the cause of the pain

Always use the lowest effective dose for the shortest necessary duration. Do not exceed the recommended dose, and avoid taking more than one medicine containing paracetamol at the same time

• Take the lowest effective dose for the shortest time needed

• Don't exceed the maximum daily dose or combine products containing the same ingredient

• Take NSAIDs with food to reduce stomach irritation

• Address the underlying cause of recurrent pain rather than relying on long-term self-treatment

• Seek advice if pain persists beyond a few days or keeps recurring