RECOMMENDING OTC PAIN RELIEF

PARACETAMOL is an effective analgesic and also acts as an antipyretic.² It is safe for use by the elderly and pregnant/breastfeeding women.³ Remind customers of the correct dosage. Not to be used with other paracetamol-containing products due to risk of overdose.

NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) include aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen. They act locally at the site of pain, reducing the production of prostaglandins. They have analgesic, antipyretic and anti-inflammatory effects.²

Side effects include asthma exacerbation, GI effects and cardiovascular effects.^{2, 3} Aspirin should not be used by children under 16 years of age. Naproxen can be recommended OTC to manage period pain in women aged 15 to 50.²

CODEINE has a mild affinity for opioid receptors and is metabolised into morphine, essentially mimicking the action of endorphins (the body's natural pain reliever). This enables codeine to relieve pain by blocking messages from pain receptors and reducing the perception of pain.⁴ They are found in OTC products in combination with other pain relief ingredients such as ibuprofen or paracetamol. OTC products containing opioids are not to be used for more than 3 consecutive days and can cause addiction.

A combination product may be used when short-term, moderate pain is not relieved by either paracetamol or an NSAID alone.⁵ Customers with persistent pain should be referred to their GP.

CAFFEINE is a mild stimulant that, combined with paracetamol, may make paracetamol more effective.^6,7

DOXYLAMINE is a first-generation sedating antihistamine. This ingredient is sometimes considered when pain interferes with sleep. Caution must be taken during the day due to the potential sedative effects.⁸

BUCLIZINE is a sedating antihistamine that has an antiemetic effect.²