Pain relief is no different from drugs in general, which have benefits for the body as well as side effects that may be harmful. The good news is, there are some tips you can do to keep the painkillers you are taking safe and effective in relieving pain.
Tips for safe taking painkillers
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 that you take has a different dose. The dose consists of a single dose and a maximum daily dose.
To illustrate, here are some of the most common types of pain relievers and their recommended dosages:
- Paracetamol: 500-1,000 mg once taken, maximum 4,000 mg daily.
- Ibuprofen: 200-400 mg once taken, maximum 1,200 mg daily.
- Naproxen: 250 grams once taken, the daily limit varies between 500-1,000 mg according to conditions.
- Mefenamic acid: 500 mg once, maximum 1,500 mg daily.
- Codeine: 15-60 mg once daily, maximum 360 mg daily.
2. Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medicines
This one tip is often overlooked when you want to take pain medication. Pain relievers can interact with other drugs.
For example, ibuprofen taken together with antihypertensive drugs can increase blood pressure.
The drugs and supplements you take may not be recorded in the medical record. Or, your doctor may not be aware of potential interactions with medications you take regularly.
That’s why, when you go to the doctor, make sure you inform them what drugs you are taking to avoid drug interactions
3. Understand the side effects
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 disease, chronic migraines, or heart disease.
By understanding these tips when taking painkillers, you can choose the drug with the least side effects.
4. Follow the instructions for the use
Taking painkillers of course must be according to the doctor’s advice. You must follow the dose given, the safe limit for consumption, as well as the conditions for when to take the drug.
Do not increase your dose or stop taking the drug without your doctor’s knowledge. If the medication you are taking is no longer effective in relieving pain, discuss this issue with your doctor before choosing another pain reliever.
5. Don’t use other people’s recipes
Another tip that you should pay attention to when taking pain medication is to focus on your prescription. Prescription drugs are given according to your medical condition, both in terms of disease history, allergies, and other aspects.
Do not use someone else’s prescription medication, even if you are taking the same pain reliever as him.
Your health condition and that of others may be different. You are not aware of possible drug interactions or side effects on your health.
Everyone who takes painkillers must follow the proper procedure for using the drug. The goal is clearly to optimize the function of the drug and reduce its side effects.
In addition to applying the tips above, make sure you have consulted with your doctor before and during taking painkillers. Consultation is very helpful to determine the type of pain reliever that best suits your condition.