Paracetamol

What is it?

Paracetamol (also known as “Acetaminophen”) is a non-opioid analgesic. It is thought to inhibit an enzyme produced in the brain which is involved in the transmission of pain.

What can it be used for?

It can be used for headaches, backache, muscular aches, rheumatic pain, neuralgia, cold and flu symptoms, period pain, dental pain and fevers. Because it doesn’t have anti-inflammatory properties, you can’t use paracetamol to help reduce swelling.

Aspirin

What is it?

Aspirin (also known as “Acetylsalicylic Acid”) was first found in willow bark and was the first modern medicine to come into common usage. Aspirin is also a NSAID (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug).

What can it be used for?

It can be used for relieving pain and fever, and to help reduce inflammation. Aspirin is also prescribed by some doctors to help thin the blood in people with ischaemic heart disease, (a disease characterised by reduced blood supply to the heart muscle).

Codeine

What is it?

Codeine is an opioid painkiller. It works directly on the site of pain receptors and through the spinal chord (to alter the way pain is perceived). It can be used in combination with ibuprofen or paracetamol for effective pain relief.

What can it be used for?

For the short-term treatment of acute moderate pain.