RECOMMENDED PAIN RELIEF FOR DENTAL PAIN IN ADULTS
Moderate to mild pain
1000mg paracetamol four times daily
Or 400 mg of Ibuprofen 3 times a day
Moderate to extreme pain
400-600mg Ibuprofen three or four times a day*
And 1000mg paracetamol four times daily
*For acute or severe ailments, Ibuprofen can be prescribed at a maximum dose of 2.4g daily (600mg 4 times daily).
If you want to purchase the medication on the market, the maximum dosage is 1.2g per day (400mg 3 times daily). In the case of acute or severe pain, paracetamol, and Ibuprofen can be used together, and doses of each can be taken in combination or alternately. To prevent confusion, it’s suggested that the amounts of Ibuprofen and paracetamol are combined.
RECOMMENDED GUIDELINES FOR COMBINING PARACETAMOL AND IBUPROFEN FOR MODERATE TO SEVERE PAIN
Breakfast
1000mg paracetamol 400-600mg ibuprofen
Lunch
1000mg paracetamol 400-600mg ibuprofen
Dinner
1000mg paracetamol 400-600mg ibuprofen
Before bed
1000mg paracetamol 400-600mg ibuprofen
Another option is to divide the doses of paracetamol and Ibuprofen in a 24-hour. If you choose this method, ensure that Ibuprofen has been taken in conjunction with food.
- Ibuprofen should be taken in conjunction with food
- Do not exceed the maximum recommended doses:
- 4000 mg of paracetamol over 24 hours
- 2400 mg of ibuprofen within 24 hours.
Patients must let their dentist know of any medication they currently or usually take to treat pain before prescribing any prescription or medicine.
Avoid ibuprofen if:
- If you are sensitive to aspirin or any other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), in particular when you’ve experienced episodes of angioedema, asthma, rhinitis, or urticaria that were caused by aspirin or other NSAID
- You suffer from active peptic ulcer disease or a history of ulcers caused by NSAIDs.
- The third trimester of your pregnancy
- You are suffering from a severe heart condition.
- Are you taking any other NSAID painkillers?
Ibuprofen is a safe choice in the following situations:
- If you have an asthma history, any other allergic illness, bowel disorders, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, or connective tissue disorders.
- You suffer from severe cardiac, renal, or liver impairment.
- You are an older adult.
- Hypertension is not controlled.
- If you have coagulation issues or have inherited bleeding disorders
- You are currently in the first six months of pregnancy.
- You are nursing
- You’re taking any medications, such as anticoagulants, antihypertensives, methotrexate, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRIs), and lithium antiplatelet agents.
Avoid paracetamol if:
- You are hypersensitive to paracetamol, or any of its formulations
Take caution with paracetamol If:
- You suffer from severe liver or renal impairment
It is essential to let your dentist know you notice any modifications in your medical background.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
If you require additional information, consult your dentist, medical professional, pharmacist, and the North West Medicines Information Centre or the National Dental Medicines Information Services (NWMIC).
Check out www.evidence.nhs.uk for UKMi and NHS Medicines Information resources.
If you exceed the recommended dose or experience an unusual reaction, get immediate advice from a pharmacist or medical professional or go to A&E in an urgent situation.
This information is intended to serve as a guideline only. Always go through the patient information booklet and be aware of the combination of medications before you take it. Don’t hesitate to discuss any dosages with your pharmacist, dentist, and NWMIC (above ).