Pain Relief

Painkillers chosen with a pharmacist’s eye: paracetamol and ibuprofen in every form, Nurofen, Panadol, Nuromol, soluble and night-time options, plus Deep Heat and Diclac gel for muscles and joints. Advice on which one suits your pain and how to take it safely.

All productsMedicines and TreatmentsSkincareVitamins & SupplementsPersonal CareSun ProtectionDental CareHair CareSensitive & MedicatedBaby & ChildDigestive Health

Which painkiller for which pain

PainFirst choiceNotes
Headache, fever, general achesParacetamolSafest for most people. 500 mg to 1 g up to four times a day, at least four hours apart, maximum 4 g.
Period pain, dental pain, sore throat, sprainsIbuprofenReduces inflammation. Take with food. Not with stomach ulcers, kidney disease, heart failure, or blood thinners.
Pain not controlled by one aloneParacetamol plus ibuprofenCan be taken together or alternated. Nuromol combines both in one tablet.
MigraineSoluble aspirin or ibuprofen taken early, or ExcedrinTake at the first sign. Frequent migraines need a GP for preventive options.
Muscle and joint painDiclac gel or Deep HeatTopical anti-inflammatory gels work well for knees, backs and sports strains with fewer side effects than tablets.
Pain keeping you awakePanadol NightParacetamol with a sedating antihistamine. Occasional use only.
ChildrenCalpol (from 2 months) or Nurofen for Children (from 3 months)Dose by weight. Never aspirin under 16.

Brand or own-label?

Paracetamol 500 mg is paracetamol 500 mg. Our own-label and Perrigo, Pfizer and Rowalief packs contain the same active ingredient as Panadol at a fraction of the price. Pay more only for a format you need, such as soluble, fast-melt or liquid capsules, which work slightly faster.

Counting paracetamol

Lemsip, Panadol Night, Nuromol and many cold remedies all contain paracetamol. Never exceed eight 500 mg tablets (4 g) in 24 hours from all sources combined, and leave at least four hours between doses.

See a GP if pain lasts more than a week despite treatment, headaches are sudden and severe or come with a stiff neck, chest pain, or if you need painkillers most days. Regular painkiller use can itself cause headaches.

Common questions about pain relief

Is Nurofen better than ibuprofen tablets?

Nurofen is ibuprofen. Standard Nurofen 200 mg tablets are the same medicine as own-label ibuprofen 200 mg. Nurofen Express liquid capsules and Rapid Relief are absorbed slightly faster, which can be worth it for migraine or period pain.

How much paracetamol can I take in a day?

Adults: up to 4 g in 24 hours, that is eight 500 mg tablets, with at least four hours between doses. Count every product that contains paracetamol, including cold and flu sachets and Panadol Night.

Can I take ibuprofen if I have high blood pressure?

Occasional short-term use is usually acceptable, but regular ibuprofen can raise blood pressure and interact with blood pressure tablets. Paracetamol is the safer regular option. Ask us if you are unsure.

What is best for back pain?

Keep moving, use heat, and take regular paracetamol or ibuprofen for a few days. A topical anti-inflammatory gel such as Diclac rubbed into the area works well with fewer side effects. Pain with numbness, weakness, or bladder changes needs urgent medical attention.

Written and reviewed by the pharmacist team at Laois Pharmacy, Portlaoise. General information only, not a substitute for advice about your own health. Ask us in store or on WhatsApp.