A5 OTC analgesics

Question 1

what is meant by analgesic?

Answer 1

• pain killer
• help to reduce discomfort / pain

Question 2

what is meant by antipyretic?

Answer 2

• reduce temperature
• help to lower fever

Question 3

what is meant by anti-inflammatory?

Answer 3

reduces swelling

Question 4

describe the analgesic: paracetamol

Answer 4

• antipyretic and analgesic
• NOT anti-inflammatory
• readily available
• usable for anyone 2 months upwards
• has statutory warnings because it is dangerous in overdose
• few side effects

Question 5

what is the legal classification for paracetamol?

Answer 5

• can be any depending on quantity
• GSL: up to 16 tablets
• P: 17-32
• POM: over 32 tablets

Question 6

describe the dosage info for paracetamol

Answer 6

• based off weight of patient
• different for adults under 50kg

Question 7

what are the counselling points for paracetamol?

Answer 7

• don’t exceed stated dose
• don’t take with any other product containing paracetamol
• seek immediate medical advice in the even of an overdose

Question 8

describe the analgesic: aspirin

Answer 8

• analgesic, antipyretic and anti-inflammatory
• widely available
• different dose for different indications (eg. pain vs blood thinning)
• never to be used by those under 16 (linked to Reye’s syndrome)

Question 9

common side effects of aspirin

Answer 9

• indigestion / stomach ache
• bruising or bleeding more easily than normal

Question 10

what are the counselling points for aspirin?

Answer 10

• take with or after food to limit indigestion / stomach ache
• not to be taken if under 16
• report unexplained bruising or bleeding

Question 11

what are the contraindications for aspirin?

Answer 11

• history or current stomach ulcer
• history of indigestion
• asthma
• allergy to aspirin or similar NSAID painkillers eg. ibuprofen
• blood clotting problems
• liver or kidney problems

Question 12

describe the analgesic: ibuprofen

Answer 12

• anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic
• readily available
• can be GSL, P or POM
• can be given to anyone over 3 months

Question 13

what are the different dosage forms available for ibuprofen?

Answer 13

• tablets
• capsules
• gels
• long-acting capsules

Question 14

what are the common side effects of ibuprofen?

Answer 14

• headache
• dizziness
• feeling or being sick
• indigestion / stomach ache

Question 15

what are the counselling points for ibuprofen?

Answer 15

• take with or after food
• don’t exceed the stated dose

Question 16

what are the interactions for ibuprofen?

Answer 16

eg. some blood pressure medications

Question 17

describe the analgesics: codeine and dihydrocodeiene

Answer 17

• stronger painkillers (opioids)
• only sold in combination with other medicines eg. paracetamol
• only sold for maximum of 3 days use
• risk of addiction (extra caution needed when recommended)
• dose must be checked
• last resort, never recommended as first choice

Question 18

describe analgesics as combination products

Answer 18

• analgesic with something else
• eg. cold and flu remedies eg. Lemsip
• multiple analgesics in one product
• different dosage forms

Question 19

what caution comes with combination analgesic products?

Answer 19

• they may contain aspirin or paracetamol
• should advise patients not to take certain other medications due to interactions
• should advise to not take anything else containing paracetamol

Question 20

state the types of tablets / capsules there are

Answer 20

• standard release
• soluble
• gastro-resistant
• modified release
• effervescent
• orodispersible (dissolving tablets)

Question 21

age requirements for paracetamol, ibuprofen and aspirin

Answer 21

paracetamol: 2 months +
ibuprofen: 3 months +
aspirin: 16 years +