Headache & Pain Relief/Children's Medicines/Cold & Flu/Health Need

From tension headaches to muscle strains and joint pain, this pain relief range covers oral painkillers and topical treatments, dispensed with advice from Ways Pharmacy, a GPhC-registered pharmacy in Holborn, London.

Paracetamol 500mg and ibuprofen 200mg or 400mg are the usual starting points for mild to moderate pain, with Panadol and Nurofen as branded alternatives. Combination products containing codeine — Numark Co-Codamol 8/500mg and Solpadeine Max — are pharmacy medicines for short-term acute pain: they are supplied after a pharmacist consultation and should not be taken for more than three days without medical advice. Never take two products containing the same ingredient at the same time, for example paracetamol alongside a paracetamol-based combination. For muscular and joint aches there are topical options too: Voltarol 12-hour joint and back pain gel 2.32%, Deep Heat patches and Kool'n'Soothe migraine cooling sheets. We also stock Yunnan Baiyao (云南白药) aerosol spray, a well-known traditional Chinese brand — ask our pharmacist for advice.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between paracetamol and ibuprofen?

Paracetamol relieves pain and reduces fever. Ibuprofen is an anti-inflammatory (NSAID), so it is often chosen for muscular, joint or period pain where inflammation is involved, and should be taken with or after food. If you take other medicines or have a health condition, check with our pharmacist first.

Can I get co-codamol without a prescription in the UK?

Co-codamol 8/500mg is a pharmacy medicine supplied after a pharmacist consultation, for short-term acute pain when paracetamol or ibuprofen alone has not helped. It contains codeine, which can be addictive — do not use it for more than three days without speaking to a doctor. Higher strengths are prescription-only.

What can I use for back or muscle pain?

Topical options include Voltarol 12-hour gel and Deep Heat patches; oral ibuprofen may also help. If pain is severe, persistent or follows an injury, speak to a pharmacist or your GP.