*Unless aged over two months, weighs over 4kg and is not premature for post-immunisation fever, in which case, recommend a suitable product.
**Aspirin is suitable for those aged 16 years or over; naproxen for those between 15 and 50 years of age; combination analgesics for those over 18 years of age.
Remember, it might not be the customer who needs the treatment. Products containing aspirin, naproxen or codeine can only be recommended to certain age groups.
Ask the customer to describe the type of pain they have and point out where it is hurting. The painkiller recommended may depend on the type of pain (e.g. an NSAID if there is inflammation).
This will help to establish whether the pain is acute or chronic.
This will help to establish what they have already tried so that you can recommend a different active ingredient or format, if appropriate.
Refer customers to the pharmacist if they are taking any other medication or have a medical condition.
You don’t have to ask these questions in order, and a customer might give you some of this information without you asking. As long as you get them into the conversation, you should be able to find out the information you need in order to make a recommendation. The golden rule to remember is: if in doubt, refer to the pharmacist. Don’t be embarrassed to ask for their advice.
• Any customer who requests an NSAID and has or has had a medical condition such as asthma, diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, a stroke, heart, liver, kidney, bowel or stomach problems, or is a smoker
• If there is persistent pain that is not relieved by over-the-counter painkillers
• Anyone buying large quantities of analgesics on a regular basis
• Pregnant or breastfeeding women
• Anyone under the age of 18 who requests combination painkillers
• Any customer taking other medicines.
• British Pain Society
• Pain Relief Foundation
• NHS Live Well With Pain.
This website is for healthcare professionals, people who work in pharmacy and pharmacy students. By clicking into any content, you confirm this describes you and that you agree to Association of Pharmacy Technicians UK (APTUK)'s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
We use essential, performance, functional and advertising cookies to give you a better web experience. Find out how to manage these cookies here. We also use Interest Based Advertising Cookies to display relevant advertisements on this and other websites based on your viewing behaviour. By clicking "Accept" you agree to the use of these Cookies and our Cookie Policy.