Headaches, stomachaches, muscle aches:take a pill and the discomfort is gone. But which painkiller do you choose when? We help you on your way.
Paracetamol is the first choice for pain. The drug has an analgesic and fever-reducing effect and is effective for the most common types of pain. Use until the pain is gone. Take two tablets up to four times a day. One tablet at a time is too little; then you don't build up a mirror in your blood.
It is thought that paracetamol in combination with caffeine works faster and longer, but this has not been proven. Paracetamol is also available in combination with caffeine and propyphenazone (slightly anti-inflammatory), for example under the name Saridon, but its use is not recommended. It causes more side effects than paracetamol alone, which is also usually sufficient to relieve pain.
Read also: "10 ways to get rid of your headaches without painkillers"
If paracetamol does not work well enough, if you have pain associated with inflammation or if you have migraines or menstrual complaints, NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-flammatory drugs) such as ibuprofen, diclofenac and naproxen can help. /P>
These drugs are analgesic, fever-reducing and anti-inflammatory. Therefore, they are very effective against non-bacterial inflammatory reactions. You can combine paracetamol and an NSAID – they complement each other – but don't use two NSAIDs at the same time.
If you have a chronic illness or are already taking medication, please consult your doctor first. Commonly used NSAIDs are diclofenac (lasting six hours), ibuprofen (lasting eight hours), and naproxen (lasting seven to 12 hours). Usually ibuprofen or diclofenac is advised for acute, severe pain and naproxen for menstrual pain, rheumatic pain and back pain.
Knowing more? Go to Thuisarts.nl or Apotheek.nl
