Other active ingredients found in painkillers:

Caffeine is a weak stimulant that is thought to enhance the painkilling effect. Examples: Anadin Extra, Panadol Extra Advance.

Antihistamines (e.g. diphenhydramine) act as muscle relaxants and can aid sleep. Example: Panadol Nightpain.

All OTC painkillers should only be used in the short term

What forms are available?

Oral painkillers are available in a variety of forms, such as tablets, capsules, liquids and soluble and dispersible tablets.

When recommending products, you should match the appropriate product and form with the customer's needs. For example, a customer who does not like swallowing tablets could try a dispersible form.

Cautions

All OTC painkillers should only be used in the short term. Customers should be advised to use the lowest dose for the shortest time necessary to relieve their symptoms.

Remember to advise customers to read the pack information leaflet before taking any product to check the dosage guidelines, etc.

Pregnant or breastfeeding women wishing to take aspirin, ibuprofen or a combination painkiller should be referred to the pharmacist.

Combination painkillers are not recommended for those under the age of 18, so refer any such requests for people in this age group to the pharmacist.

Any customer with persistent pain that is not relieved by painkillers should be referred to the pharmacist.