Do you know your painkillers?

Do you know your painkillers?

They may be the sort of medicine that you buy the most, but a recent study suggests many people still don't know enough about painkillers. For instance, when it comes to getting the most out of painkillers, almost half of those who were questioned said they had never asked a pharmacist for advice on which type of painkiller would suit them best. So how good is your knowledge when it comes to getting relief from pain? Try our quiz and find out…

Question 1

Which of the following is the odd one out, as it is not an anti-inflammatory painkiller?

  • Aspirin
  • Ibuprofen
  • Paracetamol
  • Diclofenac

The correct answer is:

Paracetamol

Question 2

Which of the following painkillers can become addictive if taken consistently for longer than three days?

  • Paracetamol
  • Codeine
  • Ibuprofen
  • Aspirin

The correct answer is:

Codeine

Question 3

Which painkiller is recommended as safe for pregnant women to take?

  • Aspirin
  • Ibuprofen
  • Paracetamol
  • Codeine

The correct answer is:

Paracetamol

Question 4

Which of the following products available from pharmacies may also include a painkiller ingredient?

  • Nicotine replacement therapy
  • Cough and cold remedies
  • Ear drops
  • Cold sore cream

The correct answer is:

Cough and cold remedies

Question 5

Can you drink alcohol if you're taking painkillers?

  • Yes – it's never a problem.
  • No, it's never safe to combine the two.
  • Yes, as long as they're not prescription painkillers.
  • Yes, as long as they're not prescription painkillers or strong over-the-counter painkillers.

The correct answer is:

Yes, as long as they're not prescription painkillers or strong over-the-counter painkillers.

Question 6

Children can take some painkillers from the age of three months, as long as they receive formulations for their particular age group. But which of the following should you never give to children under the age of 16?

  • Aspirin
  • Antibiotics
  • Ibuprofen
  • Paracetamol

The correct answer is:

Aspirin

Results

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