Pain

Question 1

Codeine (Co-codamol) & Dihydrocodeine (Co-dydramol)

Answer 1

Type: Opioid Analgesics.

Usage: Short-term only (3 days max OTC).

OTC Dosages: Co-codamol 8mg/500mg or 12.8mg/500mg (limited analgesic efficacy).

Side-Effects: Risk of addiction, constipation, drowsiness.

Cautions: Do not drive unless unaffected. Regular request raises addiction concerns.

Question 2

Back pain and tooth aches

NSAIDs Overview

Answer 2

Beneficial For: Inflammatory pain (backache, toothaches)

Common Side-Effects: Gastrointestinal issues, increased gastric ulcer risk.

OTC Maximum: Ibuprofen 400mg 3x/day.

Cautions: Risks with asthma, interactions with lithium, prednisolone, methotrexate, anticoagulants.

Note: Diclofenac gel available OTC, tablets prescription only. Naproxen (250 mg) OTC for period pain.

Question 3

Aspirin

Answer 3

Dosage: Available as 300mg.

Side-Effects: Increased risk of gastric bleeds, taken with food advised.

Cautions: Not for children under 16 due to Reye’s syndrome risk.

Note: ‘Baby aspirin’ refers to 75mg for antiplatelet effects.

Question 4

Sumatriptan

Answer 4

Use: Treats migraine attacks with/without aura.

Dosage: 50mg OTC; higher with prescription.

Administration: At onset of symptoms/aura; repeat dose possible after 2 hours if needed (max 2 doses in 24 hours).

Question 5

Tension Headaches

Answer 5

Symptoms: Dull pain, most common headache type.

Management: Self-manageable; first-line treatment is paracetamol.

Preventative Tips: Stay hydrated, manage stress, and maintain a balanced diet.

Question 6

Cluster Headaches

Answer 6

Symptoms: Intense pain on one side of the head, often around the eye.

Management: Typically require prescription treatment; OTC pain relief usually insufficient.

Note: More common in smokers; cessation support may be beneficial.

Question 7

Sinusitis

Answer 7

Associated With: Colds or allergies.

Symptoms: Pressure and pain around eyes due to mucus build-up.

Management: Pain relief, decongestants, antihistamines/steroidal nasal sprays.

Question 8

Migraine

Answer 8

Common Types: Back pain, sprains.

Management: RICE method for sprains; ibuprofen for back pain.

Note: Activity encouraged for acute lower back pain; ibuprofen more effective than paracetamol.