Concise Guide to Medicine & Drugs: Your Essential Quick Reference to Over 3,000 Prescription and Over-the-Counter Drugs

498 Pages·2021·9.039 MB·English

by  DK

CONCISE GUIDE
TO MEDICINES
& DRUGS
Chief Medical Editor
Dr Kevin M O’Shaughnessy MA BM BCh DPhil FRCP FBPhS
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DK UK
Consulting Editor Martyn Page Jacket Designer Stephanie Cheng Hui Tan
Senior Editor Katie John Production Editor Kavita Varma
Managing Editor Angeles Gavira Senior Producer Controller Meskerem Berhane
Managing Art Editor Michael Duffy Art Director Karen Self
Jacket Design Development Associate Publishing Director Liz Wheeler
Manager Sophia MTT Publishing Director Jonathan Metcalf
DK INDIA
Assistant Editor Aashirwad Jain Managing Jackets Editor Saloni Singh
DTP Designer Anita Yadav Editorial Manager Rohan Sinha
Senior DTP Jacket Designer Harish Aggarwal Preproduction Manager Balwant Singh
This edition published in 2021
First published in Great Britain in 2001 by
Dorling Kindersley Limited
DK, One Embassy Gardens, 8 Viaduct Gardens, London, SW11 7BW
The authorised representative in the EEA is Dorling Kindersley
Verlag GmbH. Arnulfstr. 124, 80636 Munich, Germany
Concise Guide to Medicines and Drugs is based on
New Guide to Medicines and Drugs (11th edition)
Copyright © 2001, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2012, 2015, 2018, 2021 Dorling Kindersley Limited
A Penguin Random House Company
2 4 6 8 10 9 7 5 3 1
001–323212–Dec/21
All rights reserved.
No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval
system, or transmitted in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying,
recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of the copyright owner.
A CIP catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library
ISBN: 978-0-2414-9032-7
Printed in Great Britain
www.dk.com
A NOTE ON GENDER IDENTITIES
DK recognizes all gender identities, and acknowledges that the sex someone was assigned at birth, based
on their sexual organs, may not align with their gender identity. People may identify as any gender (including
genders outside the male/female binary) or as no gender, and their gender identity may change during their
lifetime. As gender language, and its use in our society, evolves, the scientific and medical communities
continue to reassess their own phrasing. Please note, this book uses “women” to refer to people who were
assigned as female at birth on the basis of their sexual organs, and “men” to refer to people who were
assigned male at birth on the basis of their sexual organs.
This book was made with Forest Stewardship
Council™ certified paper – one small step
in DK’s commitment to a sustainable future.
For more information go to
www.dk.com/our-green-pledge
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CONTENTS
DK UK INTRODUCTION...............................................................................................................................................................4
Consulting Editor Martyn Page Jacket Designer Stephanie Cheng Hui Tan
Senior Editor Katie John Production Editor Kavita Varma
Managing Editor Angeles Gavira Senior Producer Controller Meskerem Berhane PART 1
Managing Art Editor Michael Duffy Art Director Karen Self
Major drug groups 5–126
Jacket Design Development Associate Publishing Director Liz Wheeler
Manager Sophia MTT Publishing Director Jonathan Metcalf
BRAIN AND NERVOUS SYSTEM..................................................................................................................... 6
DK INDIA
Assistant Editor Aashirwad Jain Managing Jackets Editor Saloni Singh RESPIRATORY SYSTEM........................................................................................................................................21
DTP Designer Anita Yadav Editorial Manager Rohan Sinha
Senior DTP Jacket Designer Harish Aggarwal Preproduction Manager Balwant Singh HEART AND CIRCULATION............................................................................................................................. 27
This edition published in 2021 GASTROINTESTINAL TRACT........................................................................................................................... 39
First published in Great Britain in 2001 by
Dorling Kindersley Limited MUSCLES, BONES, AND JOINTS................................................................................................................. 48
DK, One Embassy Gardens, 8 Viaduct Gardens, London, SW11 7BW
ALLERGY........................................................................................................................................................................... 56
The authorised representative in the EEA is Dorling Kindersley
Verlag GmbH. Arnulfstr. 124, 80636 Munich, Germany INFECTIONS AND INFESTATIONS.............................................................................................................. 59
Concise Guide to Medicines and Drugs is based on
New Guide to Medicines and Drugs (11th edition) HORMONES AND ENDOCRINE SYSTEM............................................................................................. 78
Copyright © 2001, 2005, 2A0 0P6e,n 2g0u0in7, R2a0n1d2,o 2m0 1H5o, u20se1 8C, o2m02p1a nDyorling Kindersley Limited NUTRITION......................................................................................................................................................................88
2 4 6 8 10 9 7 5 3 1
001–323212–Dec/21 MALIGNANT AND IMMUNE DISEASE.................................................................................................. 93
All rights reserved. REPRODUCTIVE AND URINARY TRACTS......................................................................................... 101
No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval
system, or transmitted in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, EYES AND EARS...................................................................................................................................................... 112
recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of the copyright owner.
A CIP catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library SKIN.................................................................................................................................................................................... 116
ISBN: 978-0-2414-9032-7
Printed in Great Britain PART 2
A–Z of drugs 127–445
www.dk.com
PART 3
A NOTE ON GENDER IDENTITIES
Drug finder and index 445–496
DK recognizes all gender identities, and acknowledges that the sex someone was assigned at birth, based
on their sexual organs, may not align with their gender identity. People may identify as any gender (including
genders outside the male/female binary) or as no gender, and their gender identity may change during their
lifetime. As gender language, and its use in our society, evolves, the scientific and medical communities
continue to reassess their own phrasing. Please note, this book uses “women” to refer to people who were READER NOTICE
assigned as female at birth on the basis of their sexual organs, and “men” to refer to people who were Concise Guide to Medicines and Drugs provides information on a wide range of medicines, drugs, and related
assigned male at birth on the basis of their sexual organs. subjects. The book is not a substitute for expert medical advice, however, and you are advised always to consult
your doctor for specific information on personal health matters. Never disregard expert medical advice or
delay in seeking advice or treatment due to information obtained from this book. The naming of any product,
This book was made with Forest Stewardship
treatment, or organization in this book does not imply endorsement by the Chief Medical Editor, Consulting
Council™ certified paper – one small step
Medical Editor, or the publisher, nor does the omission of any such names indicate disapproval. The Consulting
in DK’s commitment to a sustainable future.
Medical Editor, Chief Medical Editor, and publisher do not accept any legal responsibility for any personal
For more information go to
injury or other damage or loss arising from any use or misuse of the information and advice in this book.
www.dk.com/our-green-pledge
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INTRODUCTION
Concise Guide to Medicines and Drugs pro- included when the drug has been judged to
vides clear information and practical advice be of sufficient general interest.
on drugs and medicines that can
be readily understood by a non-medical HOW TO UNDERSTAND THE PROFILES
reader. The text reflects current medical For ease of reference, the information
knowledge and standard medical practice on each drug is arranged in a consistent
in the UK. It is intended to complement format under standard headings.
and reinfor c e the advice of your doctor. Drug name Tells you the drug’s generic
The book is divided into three parts. The name, brand names under which the
first part covers the major groups of drugs. drug is marketed, and combined prepa-
The second part gives detailed infor mation rations that contain the drug.
about 285 individual drugs, arranged Quick reference Summarizes important
alpha betically. The third part con sists of facts regarding the drug.
the drug finder and index. General information Gives a brief summary
of the drug’s important characteristics.
PART 1: MAJOR DRUG GROUPS Information for users Practical information
This part of the book is subdivided into on how and when to take the drug, the
sections on each body system or major usual recommended dosage, how soon it
diseas e grouping. It contains descriptions takes effect, how long it is active, and advice
of the principal drug groups and infor- on diet, storage, and missed doses.
mation on the uses, actions, effects, and Overdose action Indicates the symptoms
risks associated with each. Common drugs that may occur if an overdose has been
in each group are listed to allow cross- taken and tells you what immediate actio n
reference to Part 2. is required.
Possible adverse effects Indicates adverse
PART 2: A–Z OF DRUGS effects that may be experienced with the
This part consists of profiles of 285 key drug.
drugs. Each profile gives detailed informa- Interactions Tells you how the drug may
tion and practical advice and is inten ded to interact with other drugs or substances
provide reference and guidance for non- taken at the same time.
medical readers taking drug treatment. It is Special precautions Describes circum stan-
impossible, however, to take into account ces in which the drug should be taken
every variation in individual circumstances; with special caution or in which it might
readers should always follow a doctor’s or not be suitable.
pharmacist’s instructions where they differ Prolonged use Tells you what effects the
from the advice in this section. drug may have when taken long term and
The drugs have been selected to provid e what monitoring may be advised.
rep resentative coverage of the princi pal
classes of drugs in medical use today. For PART 3: DRUG FINDER AND INDEX
some disorders, a number of drugs are The combined drug finder and index pro-
available and the most commonly used vides basic infor mation on over 3,000
drugs have been chosen. Emphasis has also generic and brand-name drugs and drug
been placed on the drugs likely to be used groups and directs you to further informa-
in the home, althoug h in a few cases drugs tion about them throughout the book.
admini s tered only in hospital have been
4
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INTRODUCTION
Concise Guide to Medicines and Drugs pro- included when the drug has been judged to
vides clear information and practical advice be of sufficient general interest.
on drugs and medicines that can
be readily understood by a non-medical HOW TO UNDERSTAND THE PROFILES
part 1
reader. The text reflects current medical For ease of reference, the information
knowledge and standard medical practice on each drug is arranged in a consistent
in the UK. It is intended to complement format under standard headings.
and reinfor c e the advice of your doctor. Drug name Tells you the drug’s generic MA JOR DRUG
The book is divided into three parts. The name, brand names under which the
first part covers the major groups of drugs. drug is marketed, and combined prepa-
The second part gives detailed infor mation rations that contain the drug.
about 285 individual drugs, arranged Quick reference Summarizes important GROUPS
alpha betically. The third part con sists of facts regarding the drug.
the drug finder and index. General information Gives a brief summary
of the drug’s important characteristics.
PART 1: MAJOR DRUG GROUPS Information for users Practical information
This part of the book is subdivided into on how and when to take the drug, the
sections on each body system or major usual recommended dosage, how soon it
diseas e grouping. It contains descriptions takes effect, how long it is active, and advice Subdivided into sections dealing with each body
of the principal drug groups and infor- on diet, storage, and missed doses.
mation on the uses, actions, effects, and Overdose action Indicates the symptoms system (such as heart and circulation) or major
risks associated with each. Common drugs that may occur if an overdose has been
disease grouping (such as malignant and
in each group are listed to allow cross- taken and tells you what immediate actio n
reference to Part 2. is required. immune disease), this part of the book contains
Possible adverse effects Indicates adverse
PART 2: A–Z OF DRUGS effects that may be experienced with the descriptions of the principal classes of drugs
This part consists of profiles of 285 key drug.
(such as corticos teroids), with information on
drugs. Each profile gives detailed informa- Interactions Tells you how the drug may
tion and practical advice and is inten ded to interact with other drugs or substances the uses, actions, effects, and risks associated
provide reference and guidance for non- taken at the same time.
medical readers taking drug treatment. It is Special precautions Describes circum stan- with each group of drugs. Individual drugs
impossible, however, to take into account ces in which the drug should be taken
common to each group are listed to allow
every variation in individual circumstances; with special caution or in which it might
readers should always follow a doctor’s or not be suitable. cross-reference to Part 2.
pharmacist’s instructions where they differ Prolonged use Tells you what effects the
from the advice in this section. drug may have when taken long term and
The drugs have been selected to provid e what monitoring may be advised.
rep resentative coverage of the princi pal
classes of drugs in medical use today. For PART 3: DRUG FINDER AND INDEX
some disorders, a number of drugs are The combined drug finder and index pro-
available and the most commonly used vides basic infor mation on over 3,000
drugs have been chosen. Emphasis has also generic and brand-name drugs and drug
been placed on the drugs likely to be used groups and directs you to further informa-
in the home, althoug h in a few cases drugs tion about them throughout the book.
admin is tered only in hospital have been
4 5
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MAJOR DRUG GROUPS ◆ BRAIN AND NERVOUS SYSTEM
BRAIN AND NERVOUS SYSTEM
The human brain contains more than 100 associated with migraine. Parkinson’s disease
billion nerve cells (neurons). These nerve cells is caused by a lack of dopamine, a neuro-
receive electrochemical impulses from every- transmitter that is produced by specialized
where in the body. They interpret these brain cells.
impulses and send responsive signals back The causes of disorders that trigger mental
to various glands and muscles. The brain and emotional impairment are not known,
functions continuously as a switchboard for but these illnesses are thought to result from
the human communications system. At the the defective functioning of nerve cells and
same time, it serves as the seat of emotions and neurotransmitters.
mood, of memory, personality, and thought.
Extending from the brain is an additional, WHY DRUGS ARE USED
large rod-shaped cluster of nerve cells that By and large, the drugs described in this sec-
forms the spinal cord. Together, these two tion do not eliminate nervous system disor-
elements comprise the central nervous system. ders. Their function is to correct or modify
Radiating from the central nervous system the communication of the signals that trav-
is the peripheral nervous system, which has erse the nervous system. By doing so they
three parts. One branches off the spinal cord can relieve symptoms or restore normal
and extends to skin and muscles throughout functioning and behaviour. In some cases,
the body. Another, in the head, links such as anxiety and insomnia, drugs are used
the brain to the eyes, ears, nose, and taste to lower the level of activity in the brain. In
buds. The third is a semi-independent net- other disorders (depression, for example)
work called the autonomic, or involuntary, drugs are given to encourage the opposite
nervous system. This is the part of the effect, increasing the level of activity.
nervous system that controls unconscious Drugs that act on the nervous system
body functions such as breathing, digestion, are also used for conditions that outwardly
and glandular activity (see below). have nothing to do with nervous system
Signals traverse the nervous system by elec- disorders. Vomiting, for example, may be
trical and chemical means. Electrical impulses treated with drugs that directly affect the
carry signals from one end of a neuron to the vomiting centre in the brain or block stimu-
other. To cross the gap between neurons, latory nerve signals to the vomiting centre.
chemical neurotransmitters are released from
one cell to bind on to the receptor sites of AUTONOMIC NERVOUS SYSTEM
nearby cells. Excitatory transmitters stimulate The autonomic, or involuntary, nervous
action; inhibitory transmitters reduce it. system governs the actions of the muscles
of the organs and glands. Such vital func-
WHAT CAN GO WRONG tions as heart beat and digestion continue
Disorders of the brain and nervous system without conscious direction, whether we are
may manifest as physical impairments, such awake or asleep.
as epilepsy or strokes, or mental and emo- The autonomic nervous system is divided
tional impairments (for example, schizo- into two parts, the effects of one generally
phrenia or depression). balancing those of the other. The sympathet-
Illnesses causing physical impairments ic nervous system has an excitatory effect.
can result from different types of disorder of For example, it widens the airways to the
the brain and nervous system. Death of lungs, increases the heart rate, and increases
nerve cells due to poor circulation can result the flow of blood to the arms and legs.
in paralysis, while electrical disturbances of The parasympathetic system, by contrast,
certain nerve cells cause the seizures of epi- has an opposing effect. It slows the heart
lepsy. Temporary changes in blood circula- rate, narrows the large airways, and redirects
tion within and around the brain are blood from the limbs to the gut.
6
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MAJOR DRUG GROUPS ◆ BRAIN AND NERVOUS SYSTEM ANALGESICS
Although the functional pace of most organs MAJOR DRUG GROUPS
BRAIN AND NERVOUS SYSTEM results from the interplay between the two ◆ Analgesics
systems, the muscles in the blood vessel walls ◆ Sleeping drugs
The human brain contains more than 100 associated with migraine. Parkinson’s disease respond only to the signals of the sympathet­ ◆ Anti­anxiety drugs
billion nerve cells (neurons). These nerve cells is caused by a lack of dopamine, a neuro- ic nervous system. Whether a vessel is dila­ ◆ Antidepressant drugs
receive electrochemical impulses from every- transmitter that is produced by specialized ted or constricted is determined by the ◆ Antipsychotic drugs
where in the body. They interpret these brain cells. relative stimulation of two sets of receptor ◆ Antimanic drugs
impulses and send responsive signals back The causes of disorders that trigger mental sites: alpha sites and beta sites. ◆ Anticonvulsant drugs
to various glands and muscles. The brain and emotional impairment are not known, Blood vessels in the skin These are constricted ◆ Drugs for parkinsonism
functions continuously as a switchboard for but these illnesses are thought to result from by stimulation of alpha receptors by the ◆ Drugs for dementia
the human communications system. At the the defective functioning of nerve cells and sympathetic system; the parasympathetic has ◆ Nervous system stimulants
same time, it serves as the seat of emotions and neurotransmitters. no effect on them. ◆ Drugs for migraine
mood, of memory, personality, and thought. The heart The rate and strength of the heart ◆ Anti­emetics
Extending from the brain is an additional, WHY DRUGS ARE USED beat are increased by the sympathetic and
large rod-shaped cluster of nerve cells that By and large, the drugs described in this sec- reduced by the parasympathetic.
Analgesics
forms the spinal cord. Together, these two tion do not eliminate nervous system disor- The pupils These are dilated by the sympathetic
elements comprise the central nervous system. ders. Their function is to correct or modify and constricted by the parasympathetic.
Radiating from the central nervous system the communication of the signals that trav- The airways The bronchial muscles are relaxed Analgesics (painkillers) are drugs that relieve
is the peripheral nervous system, which has erse the nervous system. By doing so they and widened by the sympathetic and con­ pain. As pain is not a disease but a symptom,
three parts. One branches off the spinal cord can relieve symptoms or restore normal tracted and narrowed by the para sympathetic. long­term relief depends on treatment of the
and extends to skin and muscles throughout functioning and behaviour. In some cases, Intestines The activity of the intestinal wall underlying cause. For example, toothache
the body. Another, in the head, links such as anxiety and insomnia, drugs are used muscles is reduced by the sympathetic and can be relieved by drugs but can be cured
the brain to the eyes, ears, nose, and taste to lower the level of activity in the brain. In increased by the parasympathetic. only by appropriate dental treatment. If the
buds. The third is a semi-independent net- other disorders (depression, for example) underlying disorder is irreversible, such as
work called the autonomic, or involuntary, drugs are given to encourage the opposite NEUROTRANSMITTERS some rheumatic conditions, long­term anal­
nervous system. This is the part of the effect, increasing the level of activity. The parasympathetic system depends on the gesic treatment may be necessary.
nervous system that controls unconscious Drugs that act on the nervous system neurotransmitter acetylcholine to transmit Damage to body tissues as a result of dis­
body functions such as breathing, digestion, are also used for conditions that outwardly signals between cells. The sympathetic system ease or injury is detected by nerve endings
and glandular activity (see below). have nothing to do with nervous system relies on epinephrine (adrenaline) and norep­ that transmit signals to the brain. Interpreta­
Signals traverse the nervous system by elec- disorders. Vomiting, for example, may be inephrine (noradrenaline), substances that act tion of these sensations can be affected by a
trical and chemical means. Electrical impulses treated with drugs that directly affect the as both hormones and neurotransmitters. person’s psychological state, so that pain is
carry signals from one end of a neuron to the vomiting centre in the brain or block stimu- worsened by anxiety and fear, for example.
other. To cross the gap between neurons, latory nerve signals to the vomiting centre. DRUGS THAT ACT ON THE SYMPATHETIC Often an explanation of the cause of discom­
chemical neurotransmitters are released from NERVOUS SYSTEM fort can make pain easier to bear or even
one cell to bind on to the receptor sites of AUTONOMIC NERVOUS SYSTEM The drugs that stimulate the sympathetic relieve it altogether. Anti­anxiety drugs (see
nearby cells. Excitatory transmitters stimulate The autonomic, or involuntary, nervous nervous system are called adrenergics (or p.11) are helpful when pain is accompanied
action; inhibitory transmitters reduce it. system governs the actions of the muscles sympathomimetics). They either promote by anxiety; some of these drugs are also used
of the organs and glands. Such vital func- the release of epinephrine and norepineph­ to reduce painful muscle spasms. Some anti­
WHAT CAN GO WRONG tions as heart beat and digestion continue rine or mimic their effects. Drugs that inter­ depressants (see p.12) block the transmission
Disorders of the brain and nervous system without conscious direction, whether we are fere with the action of the sympathetic of impulses signalling pain and are particu­
may manifest as physical impairments, such awake or asleep. nervous system are called sympatholytics. larly useful for nerve pains (neuralgia),
as epilepsy or strokes, or mental and emo- The autonomic nervous system is divided Alpha blockers act on alpha receptors; beta which do not always respond to analgesics.
tional impairments (for example, schizo- into two parts, the effects of one generally blockers act on beta receptors (see also Beta
phrenia or depression). balancing those of the other. The sympathet- blockers, p.28). TYPES OF ANALGESIC
Illnesses causing physical impairments ic nervous system has an excitatory effect. Analgesics are divided into the opioids (with
can result from different types of disorder of For example, it widens the airways to the DRUGS THAT ACT ON THE PARA­ similar properties to drugs derived from
the brain and nervous system. Death of lungs, increases the heart rate, and increases SYMPATHETIC NERVOUS SYSTEM opium, such as morphine) and non­opioids,
nerve cells due to poor circulation can result the flow of blood to the arms and legs. Drugs that stimulate the parasympathetic which include all the other analgesics, such
in paralysis, while electrical disturbances of The parasympathetic system, by contrast, system are called cholinergics (or parasym­ as paracetamol, nefopam, and non­steroidal
certain nerve cells cause the seizures of epi- has an opposing effect. It slows the heart pathomimetics); drugs that oppose its action anti­inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), the most
lepsy. Temporary changes in blood circula- rate, narrows the large airways, and redirects are called anticholinergics. Many pre scribed well known of which is aspirin. The non­
tion within and around the brain are blood from the limbs to the gut. drugs have anticholinergic properties. opioids are all less powerful as painkillers
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ANALGESICS
than the opioids. Local anaesthetics (see can also relieve the pain and inflammation of
opposite) are also used to relieve pain. chronic rheumatoid arthritis (see Antirheu-
Opioid drugs and paracetamol act directly matic drugs, p.49).
on the brain and spinal cord to alter the per- Aspirin is found in combination with other
ception of pain. Opioids act like endorphins, substances in a variety of medicines (see
hormones naturally produced in the brain Cold cures, p.26). It is also used in the treat-
that stop the cell-to-cell transmission of pain ment of some blood disorders, since aspirin
sensation. NSAIDs block the formation of helps to prevent abnormal clotting of blood
pain-modulating substances (e.g. prosta- by preventing platelets from sticking togeth-
glandins) at nerve endings at the site of pain. er (see Drugs that affect blood clotting, p.36).
When pain is treated under medical super- Aspirin in the form of soluble tablets,
vision, it is common to start with paraceta- dissolved in water before being taken, is
mol or an NSAID; if neither gives adequate absorbed into the bloodstream more quickly,
relief, they may be combined. A mild opioid thereby relieving pain faster than tablets.
such as codeine may also be used. If the less Soluble aspirin is not less irritating to the
powerful drugs are ineffective, a strong opi- stomach lining, however.
oid such as morphine may be given. As there Aspirin is available in many forms, all of
is now a wide variety of oral analgesic for- which have a similar effect, but because the
mulations, injections are seldom necessary amount of aspirin in a tablet of each type
to control even the most severe pain. varies, it is important to read the packet for
When using an over-the-counter prepara- the correct dose. Aspirin is not recommend-
tion (for example, taking paracetamol for a ed for children under 16 years because its use
headache) you should seek medical advice if has been linked to Reye’s syndrome, a rare
pain persists for longer than 48 hours, recurs, but potentially fatal liver and brain disorder.
or is worse or different from previous pain. Other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
(NSAIDs) These drugs can relieve both pain
NON-OPIOID ANALGESICS and inflammation. NSAIDs are related to
Paracetamol This analgesic is believed to act aspirin and also work by blocking the pro-
by reducing the production of chemicals duction of prostaglandins. They are most
called prostaglandins in the brain. However, commonly used to treat muscle and joint
paracetamol does not affect prostaglandin pain and may also be prescribed for other
production in the rest of the body, so it does types of pain including period pain. For fur-
not reduce inflammation, although it can ther information on these drugs, see p.48.
reduce fever. Paracetamol can be used for
everyday aches and pains, such as headaches, COMBINED ANALGESICS
toothache, and joint pains. Mild opioids, such as codeine, are often
As well as being the most widely used found in combination preparations with
analgesic, it is one of the safest when taken non-opioids, such as paracetamol. The prefix
correctly. It does not usually irritate the stom- “co-” is used to denote a drug combination.
ach, and allergic reactions are rare. However, Although both opioids and paracetamol act
an overdose can cause severe and possibly centrally, these mixtures have the advantage
fatal liver or kidney damage. Its toxic poten- of combining different mechanisms of
tial may be increased in heavy drinkers. action. Another advantage of combining
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): analgesics is that the reductions in dose of
aspirin Used for many years to relieve pain the components may reduce the side effects
and reduce fever, aspirin also reduces inflam- of the preparation. Combinations can be
mation by blocking the production of prosta- helpful in reducing the number of tablets
glandins, which contribute to the swelling taken during long-term treatment.
and pain in inflamed tissue. Aspirin is useful
for headaches, toothache, mild rheumatic OPIOID ANALGESICS
pain, sore throat, and discomfort caused by These drugs are related to opium, an extract
feverish illnesses. When given regularly, it of poppy seeds. They act directly on several
8
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