How painkillers work

Ibuprofen is one of a group of painkillers called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). It is used to ease mild to moderate types of pain ranging from toothache, migraines and period pain as well as easing swelling.

You’ll start to feel the painkilling effect of ibuprofen soon after taking some but the anti-inflammatory effect can sometimes take up to three weeks to get the best results so it’s important to be patient.

Ibuprofen is available as tablets and capsules, and as a syrup that you swallow. It also comes as a gel, mousse and spray that you rub into your skin.

Painkillers that use ibuprofen carry age restrictions so it’s important to look at the product information leaflet in the pack. If you have a stomach problem, stomach ulcers, suffer from cardiovascular problems like a heart attack or a stroke, are pregnant or breastfeeding, have asthma or have bleeding conditions and are on anticoagulants speak to your doctor or pharmacist before taking ibuprofen.

How much you can take depends on your age, the type of ibuprofen you’re taking and how strong it is. For example, adults can usually take one or two 200mg tablets every four to six hours, but shouldn’t take more than 1,200mg (six 200mg) tablets in the space of 24 hours. Children under 16 – may need to take a lower dose depending on their age; check the packet or leaflet, or ask a pharmacist or doctor for advice.

Codeine is an opioid painkiller that’s used to treat pain. It is used when pain hasn’t been relieved by paracetamol, ibuprofen or aspirin on their own.

Codeine works by blocking any pain signals you are experiencing from reaching your brain and spinal cord.

Codeine is available in combination with paracetamol, ibuprofen, and aspirin. Products containing codeine are considered to be an effective painkiller when used in accordance with instructions on the pack.

Codeine can be taken by adults and children aged 12 years and older. Products with codeine aren’t suitable for children under 12 years old. Only give it to children aged 12 to 18, if regular pain relief is not enough.

Combination products containing codeine should not be taken for more than three days without consulting your GP. This is because codeine is habit-forming and can have severe and even fatal implications for the health and life of people who become addicted to taking it (https://www.uk-rehab.com/opiate-addiction/codeine/). Your GP or pharmacist can answer any questions you have about how long to take products containing codeine, as well as where you can get help and support if you think you – or someone you know – may have developed an addiction to codeine.