What they look like Analgesics are available in many forms. These include tablets, capsules, suppositories, soluble powders and liquids.
How and why are they used? Analgesics are generally swallowed and their intended purpose is to relieve pain. Some can also be used to reduce fever, to help relieve the symptoms of cold and flu, reduce inflammation and swelling, control diarrhoea, and as a cough suppressant. Some people misuse analgesics by intentionally taking more than the recommended dose, in a mistaken attempt to “get high”, or as an act of self-harm.
Non-medical analgesic use in Australia According to the National Drug Strategy Household Survey1, in 2010, 3.0 per cent of the Australian population aged 14 years and older had used analgesics for non-medical purposes in the previous 12 months. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) 2011 » 2010 National Drug Strategy Household Survey: Report, » Canberra: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare.
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Chemical and brand names Analgesics are known by their chemical (generic) names and their brand or trade names. Some common examples include:» Generic name
Brand/trade name/s
Aspirin
Aspro Clear®, Disprin®
Aspirin and codeine
Aspalgin®, Codral Cold & Flu Original®
Ibuprofen
Brufen®, Nurofen®
Ibuprofen and codeine
Nurofen Plus®
Paracetamol
Dymadon®, Lemsip®, Panadol®, Panamax®, Tylenol®
Paracetamol and codeine
Dymadon Co® and Dymadon Forte®, Panadeine Forte®, Panamax Co®
Paracetamol, codeine » and doxylamine
Mersyndol® and Mersyndol » Forte®, Panalgesic®