Oral Analgesics

Oral analgesics are pain killers taken by mouth. Generally they contain aspirin, paracetamol or ibuprofen, alone or in combination with codeine or dihydrocodeine.
Aspirin can reduce temperature, pain and inflammation but should be used with caution as it can cause gastric irritation and damage the stomach lining. It should not be taken on an empty stomach or patients with gastric ulcers . Asthmatic and children under 16 should avoid taking aspirin.
Paracetamol has analgesic and antipyretic properties, but little anti-inflammatory action. Over dosage can cause liver damage which may not become apparent for four to six days
THEREFORE DO NOT TAKE MULTIPLE PRODUCTS CONTAINING PARACETAMOL.
Ibuprofen, like aspirin, has analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic properties. However it tends to cause gastric mucosal damage. Asthmatics should consult a GP of pharmacist before taking ibuprofen.
WARNING : PRODUCTS CONTAINING CODEINE SHOULD NOT BE TAKEN FOR MORE THAN THREE DAYS AS THIS CAN LEAD TO ADDICTION