Advising on managing pain
ADVISING ON MANAGING PAIN
Pain can present in different ways at different times, and it is important to manage various types of pain and individual symptoms independently in order to provide customers with the most effective advice to help manage their symptoms.
Alongside holistic care and advice, analgesics to manage pain can be introduced using the stepwise approach recommended by NICE.5
OTC ANALGESIA RECOMMENDATIONS
In order to use OTC analgesics safely, it’s important to consider to your customer’s individual situation and medical history to determine which analgesic or analgesic combination will be most suitable and appropriate.
REMEMBER: OTC analgesics are only recommended for short term use and customers should speak to their pharmacist or doctor if they find that they are not adequately managing their pain or require them for longer periods of time. Holistic advice should always be offered to help manage their pain alongside their medicinal treatment.
OPIOID ANALGESICS, such as codeine, can be an appropriate option for short term pain not relieved by paracetamol or ibuprofen alone.5,6
Pain relief containing codeine should not be taken for more than 3 days at the recommended dose as there is a risk of addiction and misuse. This is despite the availability of larger pack sizes.
Lower strength codeine should be offered before trying a higher strength alternative
If you have any doubts or concerns about the appropriate use of opioid analgesics, refer the customer to the pharmacist.
Throughout the different pain profile scenarios on the following screens, we will discuss how various types of acute pain can be managed with different OTC analgesics. To learn more about SolpaOne, Solpadeine PLUS and Solpadeine MAX, click the packshots below.
SolpaOne 1000mg Effervescent Tablet (P)
Indication:
Short term symptomatic treatment of mild to moderate pain and/or fever in adults and adolescents aged 16 years and above
Dosage
For those aged 16 years and older, weighing more than 50 kg, 1 tablet should be placed in a full tumbler of water and allowed to be dissolved completely before swallowing. This can be repeated every 6 hours as needed. Maximum dose is 4 tablets per day (paracetamol 4000 mg per 24 hours)
To learn more about SolpaOne, click here
Solpadeine PLUS Soluble Tablets (P)
Indication:
Recommended for the relief of migraine, headache, backache, rheumatic pain, period pain, dental pain, strains & sprains and sciatica. Codeine should NOT be used in children below the age of 12 years
Adult dosage
2 tablets dissolved in at least half a tumbler of water every 4-6 hours up to 4 times a day as needed. The minimum dosing interval is 4 hours. No more than 4 doses (8 tablets) should be taken in 24 hours
NOTE: Solpadeine PLUS Capsules are also available
Despite the availability, larger pack sizes of codeine containing products such as Solpadeine PLUS should NOT be used for more than 3 consecutive days
Solpadeine MAX Soluble tablets (P)
Indication:
Recommended for the relief of headache, migraine, dental pain, period pain, strains & sprains, backache, arthritic & rheumatic pain and sciatica. Codeine should NOT be used in children below the age of 12 years
Dosage
2 tablets dissolved in at least half a tumbler of water every 4-6 hours up to 4 times a day as needed. The minimum dosing interval is 4 hours. No more than 4 doses (8 tablets) should be taken in 24 hours
NOTE: Solpadeine MAX Tablets are also available
Despite the availability, larger pack sizes of codeine containing products such as Solpadeine MAX should NOT be used for more than 3 consecutive days
TO LEARN MORE
about effective and appropriate pain management, learn more here