5 Tips for Taking Pain Relievers to Stay Safe Without Side Effects

Healthy Living - Pain relievers are no different from drugs in general which have benefits as well as side effects. The good news, there are some tips you can do to make the pain relievers you take stay safe and effective in relieving pain.

Safe tips for taking pain medication

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 the benefits optimally and avoid side effects, here are a series of tips for taking pain medication for you:

1. Understand the dose

Each type of pain reliever you take has its own dose. The dosage consists of one-time doses and maximum doses in a day.

As an illustration, here are some of the most common types of painkillers and the recommended dosage:

Paracetamol: 500-1,000 mg once a drink, a maximum of 4,000 mg a day.
Ibuprofen: 200-400 mg once a drink, a maximum of 1,200 mg a day.
Naproxen: 250 grams at a time, daily limit varies between 500-1000 mg according to conditions.
Mefenamic acid: 500 mg once a drink, a maximum of 1,500 mg a day.
Codeine: 15-60 mg once a drink, a maximum of 360 mg a day.

2. Tell your doctor if you take other drugs

Tip one is often overlooked when you want to take pain medication. In fact, pain relievers can interact with other drugs.

For example, ibuprofen taken with antihypertensive drugs can actually increase blood pressure.

Drugs and supplements that you consume may not have been recorded in the medical record. Or, your doctor may not realize the potential for interactions with medications you take regularly.

That is why, when you go to the doctor, make sure you inform what drugs you are taking to avoid drug interactions.

3. Understanding the side effects

The side effects of pain medication vary depending on the type. For example, ibuprofen and aspirin belonging to nonsteroidal 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 stomach acid, chronic migraine, or heart disease.

By understanding these tips when taking pain medication, you can choose the medicine with the mildest side effects.

4. Following the recommended use

Taking pain relievers, of course, should be according to doctor's orders. You must follow the dosage given, safe limits for consumption, and provisions when to take medicine.

Do not add doses or stop using drugs without the knowledge of your doctor. If the medicine you are taking is no longer effective in relieving pain, discuss this problem with your doctor before choosing other pain relievers.

5. Don't use other people's recipes

Another tip that you should look at when taking pain medication is to focus on prescribing your medication. Prescription drugs are given according to your medical condition, both in terms of history of illness, allergies, and other aspects.

Do not use someone else's prescription medication, even if you use the same painkillers.

The health conditions of you and others may be different. You are not aware of possible drug interactions or their side effects on your health.

Everyone who takes pain relievers must follow the procedures for using the right medicine. 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 consult with your doctor before and during taking pain medication. Consultation is very helpful to determine the type of pain reliever that best suits your condition.