Med. praxi. 2016;13(1):14-17 [Prakt. lékáren. 2015; 11(4): 141-143]
Over-the-counter medicines for headaches - proper selection and possible risks
- Neurologická ambulance Quattromedica Brno a II. Neurologická klinika LF MU a FN Brno
Over-the-counter (OTC) analgesics are divided according to their clinical effect structure to analgesics – anti-inflammatory drugs (ibuprofen, naproxen, diclofenac, dexketoprofen) – antipyretics (acetylsalicylic acid, paracetamol, propyphenazone), and analgesics and according to the number of substances to simple and combined analgesics. OTC analgesics are used in the treatment of migraine, tension-type headache and minor secondary headaches. The choice of the drug depends on the intensity of pain, the presence of associated symptoms, other used medications (warfarin, aspirin, other nonsteroidal anti-inflamatory drugs, corticosteroids, antidepressants, oral antidiabetic drugs) and complicating diseases (stomach and duodenal ulcers, arterial hypertension, coronary artery disease, bronchial asthma, disease of liver and kidney). Polymorbid persons have higher risk of interactions OTC analgesics with other frequent medication. Neurological examination should be recomended to people with a higher frequency of headaches and suspected abuse of analgesics.
Keywords: OTC analgesics, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, headache
Published: March 1, 2016 Show citation
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