OTC pain management Flashcards
Aspirin dose + frequency
Adults + children over 16 = 300-900mg every 4-6 hrs (max. 4g daily)
Children < 16 = not recommended- REYE’S SYNDROME
Should be taken with or just after food or a meal
NSAID side effects
Gastric Irritation + bleeding
NSAID cautions
Asthma - can cause attacks
Renal + hepatic disease
Pregnancy (1st + 3rd trimesters)
NSAID contraindications
Current/history of ulcers/gastric problems
Aspirin in children < 16
NSAID Interactions
Aspirin = Warfarin + Methotrexate
Ibuprofen = Lithium + Diuretics
Naproxen
- license
- dose + freq
Licensed for short-term treatment of period pain + menstrual cramps
2 (250mg) tablets (then if needed another 4 - 6 hrs later)
Licensed for women aged between 15 + 50 years
Gastro-resistant
Paracetamol dose + freq on prescription
Adult = 1/2 (500mg tablets) every 4 - 6 hrs
Maximum dose 8 tablets (4g) in 24 hr period
Children = (check BNF) no more than 4 doses in 24 hrs
Treatment for post-immunisation pyrexia in infants
Oral paracetamol dose
Child 2-4 months
60 mg for 1 dose, then 60 mg after 4-6 hours if required
Dose can be repeated twice for meningcoccal B vaccine
Indication of painkillers containing codeine + dihydrocodeine
Solid dose OTC codeine + dihydrocodeine products restricted to short term treatment of acute moderate pain not relieved by paracetamol, ibuprofen or aspirin alone
Remove all previous indications including cold, cough, flu, sore throat + minor pain
Topical preparations
NSAIDs + Salicylates
-
Ibuprofen, Diclofenac, Felbinac, benzydamine
- short-term (< 2 weeks)
- systemic effects + side effects
-
Rubefacients
- Nicotinates
- Capsicum
Sprain
Sudden, violent twist of joint stretching or twisting ligaments with rupture of blood vessels with haemorrhage to tissues
Strain
Muscular pain
Caused by overuse evidence of swelling
Fracture
Break in bone or cartilage
Dislocation
Displacement of 1 or more bones at a joint
Bruising
Minor but painful
Capillary damage - blue/purple in colour
Result of blunt impact
