title: Remedies for common family ailments: 6. Analgesics for everyday aches and pains.
abstract: Injury or infection causes the tissues to release prostaglandins, which stimulate the nerve endings and are interpreted by the brain as pain. People have differing pain thresholds and usually if they say they are in pain, they are. Before advising an analgesic, ask yourself why the pain is there and, if necessary, refer the patient to a doctor for diagnosis. If analgesics are to achieve the optimum effect they should be taken regularly in appropriate doses at the onset of pain. It is wise to consult a pharmacist if the patient is already on other drugs. Analgesics fall into two main groups: the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), eg aspirin, paracetamol, ibuprofen; and narcotics (eg codeine). NSAIDs are particularly good for muscle and joint pain. Paracetamol is reasonably safe to use for young children and, when appropriate, in pregnancy. Aspirin should not be given to children under 12 years.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Sinclair
mesh_terms: D000700:Analgesics / Q000600:supply & distribution / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D004366:Nonprescription Drugs / Q000600:supply & distribution / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010146:Pain / Q000188:drug therapy*; D011247:Pregnancy
chemical_list: D000700:Analgesics; D004366:Nonprescription Drugs