Pain Flashcards
Which opioids are available OTC?
Codeine as co-codamol
Dihydrocodeine as co-drydamol
How long is OTC use of opioids licensed for?
3 days supply
What side effects should you counsel on for opioids?
Risk of addiction - stop after 3 days.
Constipation - drink plenty of water, stay active, eat high fibre foods.
Drowsiness - avoid driving.
What are some key counselling points for NSAIDs?
Take 2 tabs tds.
Take after food - risk of GI bleeds and gastric ulcers.
Use with caution if asthmatic - risk of bronchospasm.
Interacts with lithium, prednisolone, MTX, ACEis, diuretics, and anticoagulants.
What is the maximum OTC ibuprofen strength?
400mg.
What is the maximum strenth of Naproxen OTC?
250mg enteric coated tablets.
What is the available dose of aspirin for pain?
300mg
What are some things to consider when giving aspirin OTC?
Age - Reyes syndrome in under 16s
Take with food - higher risk of GI bleeds.
Soluble or EC aspirin lower risk of GI issues.
When can sumatriptan be given OTC?
50mg strength only.
For migraine with or without aura as diagnosed by doctor.
If on COC, refer.
How should OTC sumatriptan be taken for relief of migraines?
Take 1 tablet as soon as symptoms or aura occurs.
If symptoms recur, take another tablet after 2 hours.
No more than 2 in 24 hours.
If first tablet didn’t work, don’t take a second.
What are the symptoms of a tension headache?
Dull pain.
How should tension headache be treated?
Paracetamol
Hydration
Reduce stress
What are the symptoms of a cluster headache?
Excruciating pain in one side of the head around the eye.
How should a cluster headache be managed?
Refer - OTC pain relief insufficient.
More common in smokers, stop.
What are some symptoms of sinusitis?
Headache with cold or allergy such as hay fever.
Usually around the eyes