Which painkiller?

Over-the-counter painkillers are safe for most people to use but it's important to read the label to check the product is suitable for you. You should talk to a doctor or pharmacist first if you have liver or kidney problems, are pregnant or taking other medicines, herbal remedies or dietary supplements.

Paracetamol

No one is sure how paracetamol works - probably by blocking pain messages to the brain.

• Common brands: Ethics, Pams, Panadol, Paracare, Signature Range.
• Good for: Relieving pain and reducing fever. Kinder on the stomach than aspirin and ibuprofen.
• Risks: Side effects are rare at the recommended doses, but if taken in larger doses or too often paracetamol can cause liver damage. Don't take it with other paracetamol treatments (such as cold or flu remedies).
• Maximum daily dose: Eight 500mg tablets for people aged 12 years and over (but a lower dosage for younger children). Paracetamol can be used for babies and small children as a liquid, bought from a pharmacy.

Aspirin

This is one of a group of drugs called NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) that work by slowing the body's production of prostaglandins, which cause pain and inflammation. Aspirin was the original NSAID.

• Common brands: Alka-Seltzer, Aspro, Disprin, Signature Range.
• Good for: Relieving pain and inflammation, and reducing fever.
• Risks: Aspirin may interact with other medicines, herbal remedies or dietary supplements. It can cause stomach irritation and bleeding if taken in high doses. Some people who have asthma may find aspirin makes their condition worse.
• Maximum daily dose: Depends on the level of aspirin in each tablet (maximum = 4000mg per day). Aspirin's not suitable for children under 12 because of the risk of Reye's syndrome - a rare and potentially fatal disease that attacks the brain and liver.

Ibuprofen

A newer NSAID than aspirin, ibuprofen has fewer and less severe side effects.

• Common brands: Nurofen, Pams, Signature Range.
• Good for: Relieving pain and inflammation, and reducing fever.
• Risks: Can cause stomach irritation and bleeding if taken in high doses. Some people who have asthma may find ibuprofen makes their condition worse.
• Maximum daily dose: Six 200mg tablets for people aged 12 years and over (but a lower dosage for younger children). Ibuprofen can be used for children over the age of three months, as a liquid bought from a pharmacy.