Aches and Pains Flashcards
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Outline analgesics
Drugs that relieve pain, work by:
- Inhibiting chemical production at the injury site to prevent pain signal initiation
- Prevent the pain message from being recognised when it reaches the brain – by
blocking the chemicals produced in that part of the pain process
Outline the 3 properites of analgesics
Analgesic Effect – the ability to reduce pain
Antipyretic Effect – The ability to reduce fever
Anti-inflammatory Effect – The ability to reduce inflammation
Outline the most popular analgesic
- Paracetamol as blocks the production of pain-causing chemicals both at the site of injury and in the brain
- Reduces fever and is well absorbed in the body – does not irritate the stomach
Outline the recommended dose for paracetemol
- Most common dosage for is 500mg tablets and capsules
- TWO tablets every four hours as required.
- Not more than eight tablets in 24 hours
- No more than four doses to be given in any 24 hour period
Outline Paracetamol Paediatric suspension
Paracetamol 120mg in 5mL
Child’s age Dose Dosage Frequency
3-6 months - 2.5mL - 4 times a day MAX
6-24 months - 5 mL - 4 times a day MAX
2-4 years - 7.5mL - 4 times a day MAX
4-6 years - 10mL- 4 times a day MAX
Outline 6 years + suspension
Paracetamol 250mg in 5mL
Child’s age Dose Dosage Frequency
6-8 years - 5mL - 4 times a day MAX
8 – 10 years - 7.5 mL - 4 times a day MAX
10 -12 years - 10mL - 4 times a day MAX
12-16 years - 10 - 15mL - 4 times a day MAX
Outline 3 paracetemol concerns
- Repeat and bulk purchases
- Risk of overdose
- Over dosage usually fatal if not identified in time
Outline another analgesic
Aspirin (NSAID AS WELL)
- Blocks the production of pain-causing chemicals both at the site of injury and in the brain
- Reduces fever and inflammation
Outline the dosage for aspirin
300mg tablets or capsules
- Take up to THREE 300mg three or four times a day
- No more than 12 tablets to be taken in 1 day
- Should not be taken with other products containing aspirin or NSAIDS
Outline 4 aspirin concerns
- Risk if used by asthmatics
- Ulceration and bleeding risk
- Patients taking anticoagulant therapy
- Potentially dangerous for children
Outline another anelgesic
Ibrupofen (NSAID AS WELL)
- Blocks the production of pain-causing chemicals both at the site of injury and in the brain
- Reduces fever and inflammation
- More gentle on the stomach than aspirin
Outline the dosage for ibuprofen
200mg tablets (also available as a 400mg tablet)
- Take ONE to TWO 200mg tablets up the three times a day as required
- Leave at least four hours between doses
- Do not take more than six tablets in any 24 hour period
Outline the dosage for ibuprofen oral suspension
Ibuprofen 100mg in 5mL
Child’s age Dose Dosage Frequency
3-6 months - 2.5mL - 3 times a day MAX
6-12 months - 2.5 mL - 3 - 4 times a day MAX
1 - 2 years - 2.5mL - 3 - 4 times a day MAX
3 -7 years - 5mL - 3 - 4 times a day MAX
8-12 years - 10mL - 3 - 4 times a day MAX
Outline 3 ibruprofen concerns
Risk if used by asthmatics
* Patients with history of ulceration
* Should not be taken with other products containing aspirin or NSAIDS
Outline another anelgesic
Co-Codamol
- A combination medicine of Paracetamol AND Codeine
- Blocks the brain’s ability to feel pain and determine its severity
- Over-the-counter ‘P’ medicine
- Can cause addiction. For three days use only