Treatments
Request painkillers online for short-term pain after a clinical review. UK-registered clinicians check safety, with discreet UK delivery if a medicine is suitable.
Introduction
Painkillers range from paracetamol and anti-inflammatories to stronger prescription options. The safest plan uses the lowest effective dose for the shortest time, with a clear reason for treatment.
We will review suitable analgesia after checking stomach, kidney, heart, and dependence risks. We will not supply opioid painkillers for casual or undocumented long-term use.
The condition
Painkillers (analgesics) reduce pain so you can move, sleep and recover. They range from paracetamol and anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs) to weaker opioid combinations such as co-codamol. The safest plan uses the lowest effective dose for the shortest time, for a clear reason, while you also use rest, ice or heat, and pacing as appropriate.
Pain is a symptom, not a diagnosis. Chest pain, a hot swollen joint, pain after major trauma, or unexplained severe pain needs examination. NSAIDs can cause stomach bleeding and kidney injury. Opioids cause drowsiness, constipation and dependence and are not a casual long-term solution.
Private Pharmacy Care may review suitable analgesia when this service is open. A clinician decides. Completing a consultation does not guarantee a prescription. We will not supply strong opioids for undocumented chronic pain. Always read the patient information leaflet and check other products so you do not double paracetamol.
Symptoms
Where the pain is, what it feels like, and what else is happening (fever, swelling, breathlessness) matter more than a pain score out of ten. Some pain is an emergency regardless of how long you have had a favourite tablet.
Causes
Pain has many sources. Harm from painkillers usually comes from stacking products, using NSAIDs in high-risk people, or taking opioids for longer than intended.
Treatments
This is a guide to licensed UK analgesics. A clinician decides what is appropriate. Completing a consultation does not guarantee a prescription. Non-drug measures remain part of care.
Products
Ibuprofen 400mg tablets for pain, fever and inflammation. Take one tablet three times a day with food. Short-term…
Paracetamol 500mg capsules for mild to moderate pain and fever. Adults: two capsules four times a day when…
Paracetamol 500mg tablets for mild to moderate pain and fever. Adults: two tablets four times a day when…
Benefits
Used well, pain relief can help you move, sleep, and recover. Used poorly, NSAIDs bleed and opioids cause harm.
A clinician matches simple then, if appropriate, other options to your pain type.
We check you are not doubling paracetamol from cold-and-flu products.
Ice, pacing, physiotherapy signposting, and heat still matter.
Codeine and similar medicines are tightly reviewed.
Eligibility
Short-term pain with a clear cause may be suitable. Chest pain, a hot swollen joint, or unexplained severe pain needs examination.
A clinician decides whether treatment is appropriate. Completing a consultation does not guarantee a prescription.
Start a consultation
Start a confidential consultation. Go to A&E for chest pain or sudden severe unexplained pain.
How it works
Paracetamol acts on pain pathways in the brain. NSAIDs reduce inflammatory chemicals. Codeine is converted to morphine in the body and is not suitable for everyone.
Answer a short, confidential questionnaire about your symptoms, medical history and current medicines.
A UK-registered clinician reviews your answers to check the treatment is safe and appropriate for you.
If a prescription is issued, our pharmacy dispenses the medicine and sends it in discreet UK packaging.
Questions after you start treatment? Contact the team and we will help you with next steps.
Safety
Never exceed 4 g of paracetamol in 24 hours for adults (less if you are small, malnourished, or have liver disease). Overdose can be fatal and may feel fine at first.
NSAIDs can cause bleeding and kidney injury. Opioids cause constipation, drowsiness, and dependence.
Side effects
Side effects depend on the medicine class chosen.
Always read the patient information leaflet supplied with a medicine. This page is general information and is not a substitute for personalised clinical advice.
Using treatment
Always read the patient information leaflet and the dosing table on the pack. The steps below are general and do not override those instructions.
Check every pack in the house, including cold remedies, before you take another dose. When in doubt, wait or ask a pharmacist.
Ibuprofen plus naproxen, or an oral NSAID plus large amounts of gel, increases risk. Leave the stated gap between doses.
Alcohol increases liver and drowsiness risks. Do not drive if you feel drowsy from codeine.
Drink fluids, keep moving if you can, and ask about a laxative. Do not crush modified-release painkillers.
Safety netting
Used as directed, simple painkillers are familiar medicines. Overdose, bleeding and chest pain are emergencies even if you “only took a few extra”.
Common questions
Tap a question to see the answer. If you still need help, our team is ready to assist.
Yes. Start an online consultation. For severe or unexplained pain, contact NHS 111 or A&E as appropriate.
Often yes in adults if both are safe for you, staying within each maximum dose. A clinician will confirm.
Regular opioids need a clear indication and review. Many requests will be declined in favour of safer options or GP care.
For most adults, 1 g up to four times a day, leaving 4 hours between doses — never more than the leaflet states.
Why choose us
A regulated UK pharmacy service with clinician review, discreet delivery and support if you have questions after treatment is supplied.
Every request is reviewed by a UK-registered clinician before a medicine can be prescribed.
Complete a private questionnaire from home. Your information is used to check that treatment is safe and appropriate.
If a prescription is issued, our pharmacy dispenses it and sends it in plain packaging.
We ask about your symptoms, medical history and other medicines. Completing a form does not guarantee a prescription.
Questions about side effects or how to take a medicine? Contact the team and we will help you with next steps.
Private Pharmacy Care is a UK pharmacy service. Named clinicians and public register details are listed on our clinical team page.
Sources
This page is general information for UK patients. It is not a substitute for the patient information leaflet or personalised clinical advice.
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