There are an amazing range of over the counter painkillers available for the treatment of headache and at sometime or another we have probably tried them all. Did you you ever take the time to find out just how these painkillers work and what they did along with any side effects? I guess not, I certainly didn't which is why I wrote this small report. Asprin an old time favorite Asprin was originally derived from the bark of the willow tree and is the oldest conventional painkiller, it works by preventing the production of hormone like substances called prostaglandins, which cause pain and swelling in damaged tissue. Asprin also has blood thinning properties and works by preventing platelets from sticking together and this helps prevent clots which can block arteries and lead to heart attacks and strokes. Although it's anti inflammatory effects make it useful for conditions like headache, joint pain, sprains and strains it has been superceded by by Ibuprofen as a painkiller according to leading pharmacies in the UK. The downsides of Asprin Despite it's many uses Asprin has a surprising number of potential side effects, it is not suitable for the under 16's due to the risk of Reye's syndrome, which is potentially fatal disease that attacks the brain and cause liver damage. It should also be avoided by anyone on blood thinning treatments and can trigger an allergic reaction in asthmatics. Asprin is also known to have a harmful effect on the stomach and it is recommended that anyone with a history of ulcers should avoid using it. Ibuprofen Part of a group of drugs know as non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs or NSAID's, Ibuprofen works in a similar fashion to Asprin and blocks the production of prostaglandins. Unfortunately Ibuprofen has similar effects to Asprin and it is recommended that it should be avoided by anyone with stomach problems and also asthmatics. However unlike Asprin it is considered safe for children and the junior version can be given to children as young as six months though I doubt many children of that age suffer from headache. Paracetamol A simpler drug than both Asprin and Ibuprofen, Paracetamol reduces pain by blocking signals in the brain, ideal for headache. Unlike Asprin and Ibuprofen, Asprin has no anti inflammatory effects so is less effective for joint pains and and muscle strains. Paracetamol can be taken safely with most other medications and is considered the safest to take during pregnancy. |
