Painkillers and Prednisolone

[PJPS]

I understand that Drs recommend paracetamol as a painkiller whilst on Prednisolone, but does anyone know if it's ok to take Solpadeine or any other over the counter painkillers?

[Runrig01]

Yes Solpadeine is safe to take. The only painkillers to avoid are anti-inflammatories like Brugen, Naproxen or Diclofenac to name a few of the popular ones. The reason for this is they cause risk of bleeding in the stomach, as do Prednisolone so the combined increases the risk. However codeine, tramadol etc are safe. Just be aware that Solpadeine already contains Paracetamol so you shouldn't take Patacetamol in addition to Solpadeine. Hope your pains are under control soon xx

[PJPS in reply to Runrig01]

Thanks runrig01, this forum is such a great source of information and support, today has been a good day, one of the best just lately.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Runrig has already given you the answer - I'll just add that you should not mix pred with NSAIDs: non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs. They include aspirin, ibuprofen, diclofenac, naproxen and quite a few other substances. They and pred on their own can cause irritation of the stomach lining and bleeding. Put together the risk is greater.

Some doctors will offer naproxen on the grounds it is "less gastroirritant" - that does not mean it is NOT gastroirritant. Always check with your pharmacist - the pharmacist and not the counter staff - that anything you buy is OK with pred. That isn't just pain killers, it is anything, supplements too.

Be careful with codeine - it can make you sleepy and constipated. As of March this year it is one of the drugs on the drug testing kits the police use for drivers which has a limited level. If you take it and drive be careful to stick to the recommendations and preferably carry the packet with you just in case.

Solpadeine has paracetamol in it - don't take other things with paracetamol in them (cold remedies for example), don't take more than the recommended dose and don't drink alcohol at the same time - the line between the maximum dose and overdose with paracetamol is very fine and alcohol makes the risk of liver damage higher.

[PJPS in reply to PMRpro]

Thankyou as ever for taking the time to answer, I really appreciate it. The more I read on this forum the better informed and educated I become, it's great to know there is such a good support network for everyone.

[jinasc]

A Golden rule is check everything out with a Pharmacist. Make a friend of s/he.