Painkillers

Quick reference table for painkillers.

Name	Dose	Onset	Duration	Notes
Paracetamol	1g up to 3 times per day	37 minutes	2-2.5 hours half-life	Analgesic effect increased when alternating with an NSAID (e.g. Ibuprofen)
Ibuprofen	400mg up to 3 times per day	30 minutes	2-4 hours half-life
Naproxen	500mg twice daily	1 hour	12 hours	Prescription only in the UK but OTC in The Netherlands at a reduced dose Take with Omeprazole (stomach protector)
Codeine		15-30 minutes	4-6 hours	Prescription only
Dexketoprofen				Prescription only in the UK but OTC in Spain
Metamizole			4-6 hours	Not available in the UK
Diclofenac	50mg 3 times per day	30 minutes	1.2-2 hours half-life	Prescription only in the UK but OTC in The Netherlands at a reduced dose Take with Omeprazole (stomach protector)