A5 OTC analgesics Flashcards
what is meant by analgesic?
- pain killer
- help to reduce discomfort / pain
what is meant by antipyretic?
- reduce temperature
- help to lower fever
what is meant by anti-inflammatory?
reduces swelling
describe the analgesic: paracetamol
- 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
what is the legal classification for paracetamol?
- can be any depending on quantity
- GSL: up to 16 tablets
- P: 17-32
- POM: over 32 tablets
describe the dosage info for paracetamol
- based off weight of patient
- different for adults under 50kg
what are the counselling points for paracetamol?
- don’t exceed stated dose
- don’t take with any other product containing paracetamol
- seek immediate medical advice in the event of an overdose
describe the analgesic: aspirin
- 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)
common side effects of aspirin
- indigestion / stomach ache
- bruising or bleeding more easily than normal
what are the counselling points for aspirin?
- take with or after food to limit indigestion / stomach ache
- not to be taken if under 16
- report unexplained bruising or bleeding
what are the contraindications for aspirin?
- 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
describe the analgesic: ibuprofen
- anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic
- readily available
- can be GSL, P or POM
- can be given to anyone over 3 months
what are the different dosage forms available for ibuprofen?
- tablets
- capsules
- gels
- long-acting capsules
what are the common side effects of ibuprofen?
- headache
- dizziness
- feeling or being sick
- indigestion / stomach ache
what are the counselling points for ibuprofen?
- take with or after food
- don’t exceed the stated dose
what are the interactions for ibuprofen?
eg. some blood pressure medications
describe the analgesics: codeine and dihydrocodeiene
- 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
describe analgesics as combination products
- analgesic with something else
- eg. cold and flu remedies eg. Lemsip
- multiple analgesics in one product
- different dosage forms
what caution comes with combination analgesic products?
- 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
state the types of tablets / capsules there are
- standard release
- soluble
- gastro-resistant
- modified release
- effervescent
- orodispersible (dissolving tablets)
age requirements for paracetamol, ibuprofen and aspirin
paracetamol: 2 months +
ibuprofen: 3 months +
aspirin: 16 years +
