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Paracetamol, Ibuprofen, and Co-codamol—you’ve probably heard of all of these medications, but do you know there is a difference between them all and a safe dosage for each? From which medication to take for inflammation to which is the strongest painkiller, let’s delve into the world of painkillers and how to use them safely in this guide.
You’ve almost definitely heard of paracetamol! This common household painkiller has been known to effectively treat pain. With a mild inflammatory effect, this painkiller can do it all. Paracetamol is suitable for:
This medication works by blocking chemical messengers in the brain that are associated with the pain response. Once these chemical messengers are blocked, the pain you are experiencing should be relieved.
The typical dosage for an adult is one or two 500mg tablets every 4 to 6 hours daily. You should not take more than eight 200mg tablets in 24 hours. Don’t forget to always read the packaging and leaflet before you take any medication to ensure you are taking the right dosage.
If you are taking any other medication alongside paracetamol, you should always check if there is paracetamol present in the medication, as this could lead to you exceeding the daily limit. Examples of medicines that contain paracetamol include cold and flu medicines.
Paracetamol is a safe painkiller to take during pregnancy. You should speak to the pharmacist or doctor before taking the medication, but generally, paracetamol is the safest painkiller available during pregnancy, unlike ibuprofen.
Another household name, ibuprofen is a painkiller and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is most effective for pain due to inflammation. It is commonly used to treat mild to moderate pain, including:
It works by reducing the hormones in your body that are responsible for pain and swelling. Once taken, you should feel pain relief in approximately 20-30 minutes. However, taking ibuprofen gel can take up to 2 days before you feel any relief.
An adult will typically take one or two 200mg tablets every 4 to 6 hours, depending on their level of pain. You should not consume more than six 200mg tablets in 24 hours as this is over the recommended amount. Ibuprofen should also be taken with or after eating food. Like paracetamol, you should also beware of taking ibuprofen with any medication that also contains ibuprofen, as you can also accidentally take over the recommended amount.
You should not take ibuprofen if you are pregnant. If you are in need of a safe painkiller, you should use paracetamol instead or talk to your GP before taking any medication.
Using ibuprofen gel, mousse, or spray in conjunction with ibuprofen tablets is completely safe. However, if you take ibuprofen tablets regularly, you might become less responsive to their effects. Applying ibuprofen gel to the affected area can provide additional pain relief.
You should avoid taking ibuprofen with other medications, as it may not interact well with them. If you are considering taking ibuprofen alongside other medicines, consult your pharmacist or GP for advice on the best course of action.
Co-codamol is a combination of two painkillers – paracetamol and codeine. This is the strongest painkiller of the three and is commonly taken when other over-the-counter painkillers are not effective. You can use co-codamol for treating:
As co-codamol contains codeine, it can become addictive, which is why it is not recommended to be taken for more than 3 days. Codeine is an opiate that works by depressing the central nervous system in your body and changing how your body responds to pain. This is why it is a strong medication when consumed on its own.
Co-codamol is available in three different strengths. The lowest strength of co-codamol is available to purchase in a local pharmacy. However, the highest strength of co-codamol needs to be prescribed to you through a doctor due to the amount of codeine in the medication and the addictiveness of this type of medication.
Co-codamol is only suitable for adults over 16 years old. Some children aged over 12 years old can be prescribed co-codamol, but this would be at the discretion of your GP.
A common combination of painkillers is paracetamol and ibuprofen. These painkillers can both be taken at the same time or spaced out, depending on your preference. However, you should only do this if you are over the age of 16. Children are able to take a combination of paracetamol and ibuprofen, but only at the advice of a doctor.
It is safe to take ibuprofen and co-codamol together if necessary. Since they do not share common ingredients, there is no risk of exceeding the recommended dosage.
Paracetamol and co-codamol should not be taken together as you run the risk of an overdose of paracetamol. Co-codamol contains paracetamol, so taking both of these medications in combination would push you over the recommended daily dosage.
There are specific cases where people may be able to take paracetamol and co-codamol together, but you would need to speak to your doctor first, and they will advise you further.
If you need painkillers, you have come to the right place! At Home Health, we have a range of painkillers, including paracetamol, ibuprofen, co-codamol, and aspirin, to help you when you need it most. Shop painkillers and other general medicines today with Home Health.
You can take one or two 500mg tablets of paracetamol every 4 to 6 hours or one or two 200mg tablets of ibuprofen every 4 to 6 hours. You should not take more than eight paracetamol tablets or six ibuprofen tablets a day.
Taking one or two extra tablets is unlikely to harm you, but you should not do this for long periods of time. Taking more than the recommended dosage could lead to long-term health issues such as liver damage, kidney issues, or damage to our stomach or intestines.
It is safe to take two paracetamol and two ibuprofen together. You can choose whether to take these medicines at the same time or stagger them. For example, you could take a dose of paracetamol first and then a dose of ibuprofen an hour later. It is up to you how you would like to take this medication, depending on the severity of your pain.
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