All-in-one tablets
If you're struck down with a cold or the flu you can get tablets which tackle most of the symptoms, fevers and body aches in one go. These also sometimes contain caffeine to boost your energy.
For more specific pain relief:
Paracetamol
This is best for mild or moderate pain relief, especially from headaches, toothache and period pains. Paracetamol works because it stops the pain signals getting to the brain.
Ibuprofen
This can be used as pain relief as well as for fevers and cold symptoms, but ibuprofen is an anti-inflammatory drug (paracetamol isn't), and so it's better for dealing with swelling, redness and pain caused by an injury.
You can get ibuprofen in tablets, or in a cream, gel or spray.
It's okay for you to take paracetamol and ibuprofen together as long as you're over 16. Children should never be given them together and pregnant women shouldn't take ibuprofen. Find out more about pregnancy and medication.
Aspirin
Like ibuprofen, aspirin is both a pain killer and an anti-inflammatory. It can also be used to stop blood clots and some studies have said it can reduce the risk of heart attacks. Soluble aspirin is good for a sore throat or for people who can't take tablets.
Aspirin has been known to cause problems with the stomach lining, so if you've had problems with your stomach in the past speak to a pharmacist before taking aspirin.
Aspirin should not be given to anyone under 16.
It is okay for you to take paracetamol and aspirin together. Children should never be given them together.
Aspirin and ibuprofen are very similar drugs and should NOT be taken together.
Codeine
Codeine can be used for more moderate or severe pain. It can be taken with paracetamol or with aspirin by anyone over 16 and is particularly good for migraines. The combination of codeine with paracetamol is also known as Solpadeine or Co-codamol.
Drug-free alternatives
For muscle aches and pains, including period pains, there are heat patches you can buy, or you can just use a hot water bottle. You can also buy a TENS machine from some pharmacies. Lloyds pharmacy sell them from £14.99.
TENS machines are usually used during labour and send small electrical impulses through the skin to stop pain.
There are natural remedies for headaches too, including 4Head, which contains levomenthol and is applied straight to the forehead.
Find out more about back pain, period pains, headaches and fever
Next: Read on for information about allergy medicines
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