The ABDA, the Federal Association of German Pharmacists‘ Associations, the umbrella organisation of German pharmacists, points out in a press release that patients must be careful when dealing with non-prescription painkillers (analgesics), that they should weigh up the intake and dosage of tablets, capsules and co. with non-prescription active ingredients according to the state of pain and that they should seek advice from pharmacists in local pharmacies on the frequency and dosage. Non-prescription analgesic agents such as acetylsalicylic acid (ASA), ibuprofen, diclofenac, naproxen and paracetamol are not harmless, although they are not subject to prescription, explains Thomas Benkert, Vice President and pharmacist of the Federal Chamber of Pharmacists (BAK). According to him, he advises that painkillers should not be taken more than ten times a month and for no longer than three consecutive days, otherwise, liver and kidney damage will result. Furthermore, headache medication can induce new recurring headaches when used continuously, which can lead to a vicious circle even after four weeks of continuous medication. Benkert also recommends mono-preparations (single-material preparations) which contain only one pharmacologically active ingredient. Combination preparations have always been in the focus of attention to lead to misuse. However, the frequency and duration of use are decisive for serious side effects. To thin the blood, many patients take ASA in small doses per day. If ibuprofen is used as an analgesic at the same time, a time interval should be observed, with ASA being taken half an hour before ibuprofen or eight hours after ibuprofen. Caution is advised, however, if the tablets are resistant to gastric juice and only dissolve in the intestine, then the trick is no longer necessary. For this reason, a consultation at the pharmacy is absolutely necessary for long-term medication with ASA.
Source: pharmazeutische-zeitung.de