Table of contents:
- Tips for safe taking pain relievers
- 1. Understand the dosage
- 2. Tell your doctor if you are taking other drugs
- 3. Understand the side effects
- 4. Follow the recommended use
- 5. Not using someone else's recipe
Pain relievers are no different from drugs in general which have both benefits and side effects. The good news is, there are a few tips you can do to keep the pain relievers you are taking safe and effective in relieving pain.
Tips for safe taking pain relievers
Pain relievers consist of various groups and types. Each group is intended for certain conditions with their respective side effects.
So that you can get optimal benefits and avoid side effects, here are a series of tips for taking pain relievers for you:
1. Understand the dosage
Each type of pain reliever you take has its own dosage. The dosage consists of a one-time dose and a maximum daily dose.
As an illustration, here are some of the most common types of pain relievers and their recommended dosages:
- Paracetamol: 500-1,000 mg at a time, maximum 4,000 mg daily.
- Ibuprofen: 200-400 mg at a time, maximum 1,200 mg daily.
- Naproxen: 250 grams per drink, the daily limit varies between 500-1,000 mg according to conditions.
- Mefenamic acid: 500 mg at a time, maximum 1,500 mg daily.
- Codeine: 15-60 mg at a time, maximum 360 mg daily.
2. Tell your doctor if you are taking other drugs
This one tip is often overlooked when you are about to take pain relievers. In fact, pain relievers can interact with other drugs.
For example, taking ibuprofen with antihypertensive drugs can actually increase blood pressure.
Medicines and supplements that you take may not be recorded in medical records. Or, your doctor may not be aware of the potential for interactions with medications you take regularly.
That is why, when you go to the doctor, make sure you tell them what drugs you are taking in order to avoid drug interactions.
3. Understand the side effects
The side effects of pain relievers vary depending on the type. For example, ibuprofen and aspirin, which are classified as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), can cause increased heart rate, dizziness, and digestive problems.
Your doctor may not recommend NSAIDs if you have a history of acid reflux, chronic migraines, or heart disease.
By understanding these tips when taking pain relievers, you can choose the drug with the mildest side effects.
4. Follow the recommended use
Taking pain relievers should of course be as recommended by your doctor. You must follow the dosage given, the safe limit for consumption, and the provisions for when to take the medicine.
Do not increase the dose or stop using the drug without the doctor's knowledge. If the medication you are taking is no longer effective in relieving pain, discuss this problem with your doctor before choosing another pain reliever medication.
5. Not using someone else's recipe
Another tip you should look out for when taking pain relievers is to focus on your prescription. Drug prescriptions are given according to your medical condition, both in terms of medical history, allergies, and other aspects.
Do not use someone else's prescription, even if you are taking the same pain reliever medication.
Your health condition and that of others may be different. You are not aware of possible drug interactions or their side effects on your health.
Everyone taking pain relievers must follow the proper procedure for using the medicine. The goal is clear to optimize the function of the drug and reduce side effects.
Apart from applying the tips above, make sure you have consulted your doctor before and during taking pain relievers. Consultation is very helpful to determine the type of pain reliever that best suits your condition.
