Pain management – drugs

Pain is an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience
associated with actual or potential tissue damage, or described in
terms of such damage. Pain relievers are called analgesics.

DESCRIPTION

TYPES OF ANALGESICS

Analgesics are so-named due to their ability to alleviate
pain. Caution – most analgesic drugs have either minor or severe
side effects. Ask your Pharmacist about these side
effects. 

NSAIDs 

• NSAIDs are Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs which are used
  to relieve pain, inflammation and fever – adults and to help reduce
  the incidence of blood clot formation.
• A number of risk factors are associated with NSAIDs e.g.
  stomach ulceration. Care needs to be taken when recommending this
  type of analgesic. See the NSAIDs and NSAIDs and Stomach Ulceration
  topic for advice.

ASPIRIN 

• Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) is a drug from the NSAIDs group
  (Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug). 
• It is used in the treatment of pain and fever. 
• It is also used to treat acute rheumatism and to thin the blood
  and prevent abnormal blood clot formation.
• See the Aspirin topic for information about side effects,
  cautions, interactions and use in pregnancy and breastfeeding.

PARACETAMOL 

• Paracetamol is an antipyretic (fever reducing) and analgesic
  (pain relieving) drug. Unlike aspirin it has little
  anti-inflammatory activity.
• See the Paracetamol topic for information about side effects,
  cautions, interactions and use in pregnancy and breastfeeding.

CODEINE 

• Codeine is a drug that belongs to the opioid analgesics group
  of drugs that includes other drugs such as dextromoramide,
  methadone, morphine and pethidine. 
• It is used in the treatment of mild to moderate pain, diarrhoea
  and cough.
• See the Codeine topic for information about side effects,
  cautions, interactions and use in pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Aspirin should not be given to children under 16 years of age
unless specified by a Doctor.

TREATMENT OPTIONS

If any pain persists it is advisable to seek the advice of a
Doctor for a correct diagnosis and treatment. There are many
analgesics which can be prescribed by a Doctor which are very
effective.

ORGANISATIONS & SUPPORT GROUPS

See the Australian Pain Society topic on the
Healthpoint.

PHARMACIST’S ADVICE

Ask your Pharmacist for advice. Remember that if pain persists
to see your Doctor.

1. Follow any diet hints suggested for the particular ailment
   causing the pain e.g. arthritis.
2. Make sure that you are taking the correct analgesic for your
   particular pain problem.
3. Ask your Pharmacist for the correct dose and how to take the
   suggested product.
4. Never increase the dose without seeking correct advice.
5. Never take analgesics which have been prescribed for another
   person. 
6. Before taking an analgesic consider other non-drug options e.g.
   hot water bottle or a cold pack for the forehead.
7. Consider taking some supplements if the diet is inadequate.
   Prolonged use of aspirin may decrease the body’s levels of Vitamin
   C.
    

Aspirin should not be given to children under 16 years of age
unless specified by a Doctor.