Analgesics

Question 1

What are they?

Answer 1

These drugs are used primarily to relieve pain, although some have other effects too. They are invaluable to the dental pts experiencing pain (especially toothache) although dental trt is often required to solve the problem + eliminate the pain completely. All analgesics should be avoided during pregnancy. All are available as over the counter analgesics, or they can be prescribed by the dentist

Question 2

Paracetamol

Answer 2

Is an analgesic + has antipyretic properties - it reduces the body temperature when fever is present. It has no anti-inflammatory effect. Causes serious liver damage if the recommended dose is exceeded + this may be fatal

Question 3

Ibuprofen

Answer 3

A non-steroidal anti-inflammatory + analgesic which is safer than paracetamol but can cause stomach ulcers if used in excess. It shouldn’t be given to asthmatics

Question 4

Aspirin

Answer 4

An analgesic with anti-inflammatory properties. It has several contraindications that limit its use; it acts as an anticoagulant so must not be given after surgical procedures (including tooth extraction) + can cause stomach ulcers. It should be avoided in asthmatics + must not be prescribed to children under 16 years because of the rare complication of Reye’s syndrome (an often fatal brain disease)