Pain Relief Medications

Yes. Paracetamol and Ibuprofen relieve pain in different ways, so they can be taken together, or alternated, when one alone is not providing enough relief. Take each at its own recommended dose: up to two 500mg Paracetamol tablets every 4 to 6 hours (maximum 8 tablets in 24 hours), and 1 to 2 Ibuprofen 200mg tablets 3 to 4 times a day, at least 6 hours apart (maximum 1,200mg, or 6 tablets, in 24 hours). Do not exceed the maximum daily dose of either medicine, and speak to a pharmacist if you are unsure how to combine them.

Paracetamol can take up to an hour to start working, and this varies from person to person. If your pain has not eased after an hour, wait until your next scheduled dose rather than taking more, and speak to a pharmacist if the pain continues.

Ibuprofen generally starts to ease pain within around 30 minutes, though the anti-inflammatory effect on swelling can take longer to build up with regular dosing. Taking Ibuprofen with or just after food helps reduce the risk of stomach irritation.

Both are effective for headaches, toothache and period pain, and the better choice depends on the cause of your pain and your own health. Paracetamol is gentle on the stomach and suitable for most people, while Ibuprofen also reduces inflammation, which can help where swelling is part of the problem, though it is not suitable for everyone, including those with stomach ulcers or who are pregnant or breastfeeding. For period pain specifically, Feminax Express is formulated with ibuprofen for fast, targeted relief from cramps. If you are unsure which is right for you, ask a pharmacist.

Calpol Infant contains paracetamol, and most parents notice their child's pain and fever easing around 15 minutes after a dose. It is suitable for babies and children aged 2 months to 6 years; Calpol SixPlus is formulated for children aged 6 and above. Always use the dosing syringe provided and follow the age-based dosing guide on the pack, giving no more than 4 doses in any 24-hour period, at least 4 hours apart. Do not give Calpol to your child for more than 3 days without consulting a pharmacist.

Calpol contains paracetamol and Nurofen contains ibuprofen; because they work differently, they can both play a part in managing a child's pain or fever, but they should not be given at exactly the same time. NHS guidance is to give one medicine first, and if your child is still distressed before the next dose of that medicine is due, you can give a dose of the other in between. Always follow the dosing schedule for each medicine individually and never exceed the maximum daily dose of either. If you are unsure, check with a pharmacist before combining them.

Yes. Nurofen is a brand name for ibuprofen-based pain relief, and Nurofen 200 tablets contain the same 200mg of ibuprofen as our standard Ibuprofen tablets. Nurofen Migraine is also ibuprofen-based. Nurofen Plus is different, as it combines ibuprofen with a low dose of codeine for short-term, dual-action relief when standard painkillers have not worked.

For most uses on intact skin, EMLA Cream should be applied as a thick layer and covered with an occlusive dressing for 1 to 2 hours before your procedure; some areas, such as the face, may numb more quickly, within 30 to 60 minutes. Do not leave the cream on for longer than 5 hours. Once removed, the numbing effect usually lasts for at least 2 hours, though this varies depending on the treatment area and how long the cream was left on.

Yes. EMLA Cream 5% is classified as a Pharmacy (P) medicine, so it does not need a prescription, but it must be sold under the supervision of a pharmacist. This is why a short online questionnaire is required at checkout.

Yes. EMLA Cream can be used to numb the skin before tattooing, medical micropigmentation or laser tattoo removal. As tattoos usually cover a larger area than a single injection site, more than one pack may be needed, but do not use more than 60g (two 30g tubes) in a single session. Apply the cream around an hour before your appointment, cover with an occlusive dressing or cling film, and remove it immediately before your procedure. Always check with your tattooist or a pharmacist before using EMLA Cream this way.

Paracetamol can be used during pregnancy, at the lowest effective dose for the shortest time needed; if you are pregnant and need pain relief, it is also worth contacting your GP. Ibuprofen and other NSAIDs are not recommended during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. If you are pregnant and your pain is not managed by paracetamol, speak to your GP or a pharmacist about safe alternatives.

No. Voltarol 12 Hour Emulgel contains diclofenac, a different NSAID applied directly to the skin over painful muscles and joints. For everyday aches and injuries, it typically starts to help within 1 to 2 days of regular use; for more persistent pain, such as arthritis, it can take up to a week. Apply a small amount, about the size of a one or two penny piece, twice a day, and do not use it for longer than 2 weeks without checking with your GP. Voltarol Back and Muscle uses the same active ingredient for a similar range of muscle and joint pain.