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VANDERWALT Pharmacy
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PAIN CONTROL =============
Pain is part of our bodies, complex protective and warning system alerting us to the fact that all is not well. Pain may result from psychological stress or from physical damage, and sometimes, as in migraine, for ill-defined reason. Pain, particularly sever, chronic, or sudden unusual pain, is often exacerbated by stress and anxiety. Common, everyday pain symptoms are usually treated veryeffectively with analgesics (pain killers).
Three common analgesics (aspirin, paracetamol and ibuprofen) having properties additional to pain relief are available viz.
Aspirin : reduces inflammation (redness and swelling) and temperature (fever)Paracetamol : reduces temperature Ibuprofen : reduces inflammation and temperature
These substances so NOT treat the cause of the pain, but are the most effective way of controlling the symptoms. Minor aches and pains that are frequently treated with over-the-counter (OTC)analgesics include -
Headaches (tension type) Earache Toothache Joint pains (arthralgias) Muscle pains (myalgias) Soft tissue pains (e.g. fibrositis, bursitis) Period pains (dysmenorrhoea) Nerve pains (neuralgias)
Should you be suffering from any painful condition, discuss the choice of an analgesic with your pharmacist. When referral to a medical practitioner is advised, such advice must be heeded.
ANALGESICS .. WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ==================================== - Analgesics are safe provided that the stated doses are not exceeded, orescribed dosage intervals are maintained and the duration of treatment is within limits.- Many medicines contain a combination of two or more analgesics and other active substances. The maximum daily dose must therefore take ALL medicined into account.- Physical exertion while taking analgesics may result in aggravation of damage to injured tissues.- Kidney damage can result from long-term intake of daily doses of analgesics. - OTC analgesics may interact with other medications e.g. that used to treat arthritis, diabetes, gout, asthma, peptic ulcers, blood pressure, angina and heart disease.- Your pharmacist is a professional with the knowledge to advise you on the safe use of analgesics. Do consult your pharmacist with your queries.
ASPIRIN SHOULD BE AVOIDED BY - ============================ - Persons suffering from peptic ulcers, indigestion and any bleeding disorders - Asthmatics and persons who are sensitive to non-sterodial anti-inflammatory medicines- Children under the age of 12 (unless prescribed by a medical practitioner) N.B. - Aspirin should be taken with food to reduce the risk of gastro-intestinal irritation. Concurrent use of alcohol should be avoided as alcohol increases the risk of damage.
IBUPROFEN SHOULD BE AVOIDED BY - ================================ - Persons suffering from peptic ulcers, indigestion, and any bleeding disorder - Asthmatics, and persons who react adversely to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines
CAUTIONARY ADVICE ON PARACETAMOL ================================== Should not be taken by alcoholics or anyone suffering from liver disease. It is removed from the body chiefly by the liver and prolonged use or high daily doses may cause severe liver damage.
If you are pregnant or breast-feeding, consult your pharmacist before taking any medication.Analgesics may mask the symptoms of serious underlying disease. Persistent and unrelieved pain must be referred to a medical practitioner without delay.
NEVER EXCEED RECOMMENDED DOSAGES KEEP ALL MEDICINES OUT OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN...... Copyright (c) 1992 South African Druggists Ltd. (r) Registered Trademark South African Druggist Ltd. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
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