The Do’s And Don’ts Of Using Painkillers

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Are you using painkillers correctly? Many of us regularly use over-the-counter or prescription medication for pain relief. Using this medication properly is essential for avoiding unwanted side effects – some of which could be potentially dangerous. Below are a few important dos and don’ts to follow to make sure you are using painkillers correctly.

Do…

…stick to the recommended dose

Overdosing on painkillers can cause nasty side effects from liver damage to intestinal bleeding. In some cases, it can be deadly if you take too much of a certain painkiller. This is why it’s important to always stick to the recommended dose – no matter how much pain you are in. This should always be outlined on the packaging. Local pharmacists can provide clear guidance on product labelling and prescribed dosages for some medications. Finding reliable pharmacy services in Florence Alabama (or somewhere near you) makes it easy to get professional advice on medication management and helps keep you safe and healthy.

…store in a cool dry place

If painkillers are stored at the wrong temperature or get wet, they can degrade in quality and become less effective. Avoid storing them near a radiator, on a sunny window or on a bathroom surface that is likely to get wet. A cool dry place is the best place to preserve them.

…take food with NSAIDs

NSAIDs include painkillers like ibuprofen and aspirin. These painkillers do have the potential to damage the stomach lining, however eating them with food can greatly reduce the risk of this happening. Paracetamol is not an NSAID and does not pose the same risk – it can be taken with or without food. 

…consider alternative pain relief

You don’t have to stick to synthetic painkillers. Many forms of herbal medicine like cannabis and devil’s claw can also relieve pain. You can also consider options like acupuncture and hydrotherapy. If you are a long-term painkiller user, occasionally switching to these alternative pain relief options could be good for giving your body a break and reducing long-term painkiller use side effects. You may also be able to supplement painkillers with alternative pain relief, however it’s worth checking with a doctor first. 

Customized medications are another excellent option for people who struggle with standard pain relief. Some patients cannot swallow large pills, while others need specific strengths that are not sold in regular stores. A pharmacist can prepare these unique formulations in different forms, such as topical gels or liquids. You can access these tailored treatments through compounding services at Scripx Pharmacy to manage your pain more comfortably. This approach is especially helpful for individuals with sensitive stomachs or specific allergies.

…check with your doctor before taking with other medication

Certain forms of painkillers may react badly with certain other medications. It could be worth talking to your doctor about whether certain medication can be mixed. When prescribing medication, a doctor will check what other medicines you are using and prescribe medication accordingly.

Don’t

…throw away the original packaging

It’s useful to keep the original packaging to a) double-check the dose instructions, b) check the expiry date, and c) make sure it’s definitely the right medication (some pills may be hard to distinguish without the original packaging). Keeping the original packet could also be useful if other people need to access your medication (such a carer if you have mobility issues). 

…store in reach of children

It’s essential to store painkillers in a location where children cannot easily access them. There have been many cases of young children getting hold of medication, eating it (often thinking it’s sweets) and overdosing on it. You can avoid this by storing medication up high somewhere and locking it away.

…mix ibuprofen and aspirin

It’s possible to mix ibuprofen and paracetamol for increased pain relief. However, you should NEVER mix ibuprofen and aspirin. Both medications are NSAIDs and can damage your stomach lining and intestinal tract if you consume too much. Stick to one or the other.

…drink alcohol with painkillers

You should avoid drinking alcohol if you are taking painkillers. Mixing alcohol and opioids increases the risk of liver damage, while mixing alcohol and ibuprofen increases the risk of stomach irritation. If you plan to drink alcohol, consider cutting out painkillers beforehand and during. If you don’t want to refrain from taking painkillers, consider refraining from drinking instead. 

…ignore strange side effects

If you notice that painkillers are having strange side effects, it’s important that you talk to a doctor – it may be dangerous to continue using them. Some people experience intense nausea, vomiting, dizziness or constipation when taking certain medication. While these side effects may be mild, it is still worth consulting a doctor to check whether they recommend stopping the medication. There could be alternative painkillers to explore that don’t cause side effects. 

Conclusion

Painkiller usage can be healthy if you follow these dos and don’ts. If you have any concerns about using painkillers, it is always worth talking to a doctor to see what they advise. There are many unique situations where painkillers may become ineffective or cause dangers – especially if you’re taking them long-term. A doctor will be able to determine if the painkillers are the cause, or if another health issue is to blame.