With the rainy weather these days, cough, cold, and fever are very common, aren't they? Suddenly, we feel uncomfortable, have body aches, and have a headache, and we don't even feel like doing anything. So, at times like these, we quickly grab a painkiller from the pharmacy. But do we really know about the medicines we use, how they work, and what side effects they may cause? Today, let's talk about this.
The main medicines we use for body pain and fever
There are two main categories of painkillers that we commonly use to relieve body aches, headaches, and fever when you have a cold or flu. Simply put, most painkillers you buy at the pharmacy fall into one of these two categories.
The most important thing is that these medications will not cure your illness. They will only control the symptoms you experience (such as fever and body aches) and provide you with some relief.
These two main categories are Acetaminophen and NSAIDs. Let's take a look at what these are.
| Drug Group | How it works | Common examples in our country |
|---|---|---|
| Acetaminophen | This directly affects the brain, affecting the parts that control pain perception and body temperature. Paracetamol, which we all know, is of this type. | It comes under many names, such as Panadol, Calpol, and Pedia-cal. |
| NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs) | These reduce the production of chemicals in the body that cause pain and inflammation, thereby controlling pain and fever. | Ibuprofen, Mefenamic Acid (eg Ponstan), Diclofenac Sodium (eg Voltaren), Naproxen, Aspirin. |
Things to keep in mind when using these painkillers
These medications are safe for most people when taken in the correct dosage for a short period of time. However, in some cases and for some people, they can cause serious side effects.
Risks of using NSAIDs
NSAID medications are not very good for the stomach, especially.
- Stomach bleeding: The main risk from these is the possibility of damage to the stomach walls and bleeding.
- Risk of heart attack and stroke: This risk may increase with long-term or high-dose use.
If you have any of the following conditions, you should definitely talk to your doctor before using an NSAID :
- If you have a history of stomach problems such as gastritis or stomach inflammation.
- If you have high blood pressure, heart disease, liver disease, or kidney disease.
- If you have asthma.
- If you are taking blood-thinning medications (e.g. Warfarin, Clopidogrel).
- If you are an alcoholic, the risk is even greater.
Risks of using Acetaminophen (Paracetamol)
Paracetamol is generally a very safe medicine, but only if taken in the correct dosage .
- Liver Damage: This is the most serious and dangerous side effect of paracetamol. Never exceed the maximum daily dose stated on the label. The maximum amount of paracetamol an adult should normally take in 24 hours is 4 grams (4g). This means no more than 8 500mg tablets.
Who is at higher risk of liver damage?
- People who already have liver disease.
- People who drink alcohol excessively daily.
- People suffering from malnutrition.
Very important: If you think you have accidentally taken too much paracetamol, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately, without waiting for any symptoms to appear . Symptoms of liver damage may not be visible at first. If necessary, you can also call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for information.
Is it good to use two medications together?
This is very dangerous. Some 'Cold & Flu' capsules, tablets or packets (Combination Medicines) on the market contain a painkiller (like paracetamol) and other medicines for colds and coughs.
Imagine, what would happen if you took a cold and flu medicine like this and then took a separate paracetamol pill for the pain? You would have unknowingly overdosed on paracetamol. Therefore, it is very important to read the label to see what active ingredients are contained in any medicine you take.
Never take two of the same type of painkillers together. Also, always consult your doctor before mixing acetaminophen and an NSAID.
Be especially careful when giving this medicine to children.
The medications and dosages given to adults are not at all appropriate for children. You need to be very careful when giving painkillers to children.
- Aspirin is a no-no: Giving aspirin to children under 18 years of age and young adults with a fever or viral infection can cause Reye's Syndrome , a very serious condition that can damage the brain and liver. Therefore, avoid giving aspirin to children.
- Correct dosage: Children should be given medicine according to their weight . Weight is more important than age. Always ask your doctor or pediatrician for the correct dosage.
- Use the same measuring cup: When giving liquid medications (syrup), use the same measuring cup, syringe, or dropper that came with the medicine bottle. Measuring with teaspoons and tablespoons from your kitchen can lead to inaccurate dosages.
- For children under 2 years of age: Do not give any cough or cold medicine to children under 2 years of age without medical advice.
- Keep medicines out of the reach of children: Keep all medicines locked up and out of reach of children.
Take-Home Message
- Read the label of any painkiller you take carefully and never exceed the prescribed dosage and maximum daily dose.
- Avoid using two medications containing the same active ingredient (e.g. paracetamol) at the same time.
- Be very careful when giving painkillers to children. In particular, avoid giving aspirin without medical advice.
- If you have stomach problems, high blood pressure, heart, liver, or kidney disease, or if you drink alcohol, talk to your doctor before taking a pain reliever.
- If you suspect an overdose, go to the nearest Emergency Department (ETU) immediately, without waiting for symptoms to appear.
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