OTC options

As you will be aware, many consultations with customers are about pain. The types and causes of pain vary greatly, and may include toothache, headache, period pains and muscular aches and pains. Customers will be seeking advice on the most appropriate pain relief to meet their needs.

The main OTC options for oral pain relief are:

• PARACETAMOL

  A common painkiller used to treat aches and pain. It can also be used to reduce a high temperature.¹

• NON-STEROIDAL
  ANTI-INFLAMMATORY
  DRUGS (NSAIDs)

  Medicines that are widely used to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and bring down a high temperature.² OTC NSAIDs include ibuprofen, naproxen (for period pain only) and aspirin.

• COMBINATION
  PRODUCTS SUCH AS
  CO-CODAMOL

  A combination of paracetamol and codeine. Customers should be reminded that they should only take products containing codeine on a short-term basis (up to three days), and that they may cause drowsiness and addiction. Products containing codeine should not be given to children under 12 years.