Non-opioid analgesics

Question 1

Paracetamol

Answer 1

Mild to moderate pain + fever
Preferred in elderly
Does not have anti-inflammatory action

Question 2

Paracetamol - cautionary labels

Answer 2

Do not take more than 2 at anyone time. Do not take more than 8 in 24 hours.

Contains paracetamol. Do not take anything else containing paracetamol whilst taking this medicine. Talk to a Dr. at once if you take too much, even if you feel well.

Question 3

Paracetamol overdose

Answer 3

Liver damage
High risk of hepatotoxicity in those < 50 kg
Treatment = acetylcysteine
Symptoms
- N + V
- Right subcostal pain/tenderness

Question 4

Aspirin - doses

Answer 4

Medical emergencies (ACS, ICS/TIA):
- 300 mg

Secondary prevention of thrombotic arterial events:
- Low dose aspirin (75 mg) daily for life.

Fever and pain (headache, musculoskeletal pain, dysmenorrhea)
- 300-900 mg every 4 to 6 hours prn
- Max 4g per day

Question 5

Aspirin - cautionary label

Answer 5

Take with or just after food or a meal
Contains aspirin. Do not take anything else containing aspiring whilst taking this medicine.

Question 6

Aspirin - SE

Answer 6

Gastric irritation
- E/C formulations
- Take with or just after food
- Avoid E/C in medical emergencies (takes longer)

Tinnitus
- Only in high doses

Question 7

Aspirin - contraindications

Answer 7

Under 16
- Reyes syndrome
- Exception = use in kawasaki disease or as an antiplatelet

Salicylate or NSAID hypersensitivity

Question 8

Interactions

Answer 8

Antiplatelet or anticoagulants
- Increases risk of bleeding
- ESP warfarin