headache tablets

Over-the-counter headache tablets, known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), inhibit COX enzymes. The enzymes are particularly important for the formation of tissue hormones and are divided into two different groups:
COX-1: regulate the formation of tissue hormones responsible for a healthy stomach lining.
COX-2: regulate the formation of tissue hormones needed for disease symptoms such as pain, swelling and fever.
Due to the fact that headache pills can inhibit the enzyme COX-2, they are able to relieve pain, fever and inflammation. However, because they also inhibit the enzyme COX-1, the medication can also cause side effects such as stomach problems.

This depends on several factors: Firstly, your individual conditions and secondly, the dosage form of the tablet.
Your individual conditions include:
Age and weight
petite people notice the active ingredient more quickly than overweight people
a full stomach delays the effect of the tablet
other medicines may interfere with the effect of the headache tablet
In addition, the composition (dosage form) plays an important role. Effervescent tablet capsule, coated tablet or granules change your bioavailability (how quickly and in what quantity the active substance reaches the site of pain).
A tablet that already dissolves in the stomach will reach the pain site faster than one that has an enteric coating.
Experts estimate that an aspirin as an effervescent tablet needs about 20 minutes to spread its effect. As a tablet, it takes more like an hour for the pain to subside.
Paracetamol is probably the weakest painkiller and reaches its maximum effective concentration after about one hour.
Ibuprofen, on the other hand, with a dosage of 400 milligrams, takes between one and two hours to take effect.

This depends on the active ingredient in the tablet. In general, doctors and pharmacists recommend that you never take headache tablets more than ten days a month or for more than three days at a time.
Maximum daily dose for adults
Active substance
Maximum dose per intake in milligrams
Maximum dose per day in milligrams
Paracetamol
1.000
4.000
Acetylsalicylic acid (ASA)
1.000
3,000 up to 65 years, 2,000 from 65 years onwards
Naproxen
500
750
Ibuprofen
400
1.200
Diclofenac
25
75
Combination preparations with ASS, paracetamol and caffeine
500 ASA / 400 paracetamol / 100 caffeine
1,500 ASA / 1,200 paracetamol / 300 caffeine

Yes, you can if you take it irregularly. A headache tablet taken on an empty stomach distributes its active ingredient much more quickly, as it is absorbed in the intestines and is easier for the body to process.
However, if you need to take headache tablets more frequently, I would advise against it. Otherwise your stomach lining could suffer a lot.

As a rule, the duration of action of a headache tablet is four to six hours. During this time I advise you not to drink alcohol. It is generally a good idea to wait 24 hours before you next drink alcoholic beverages.
The combination of headache pills and alcohol can have devastating consequences: Both headache pills and alcohol are both broken down by the liver, which can possibly lead to liver damage.
In addition, the combination affects your nervous system and can lead to dangerous interactions. This is especially dangerous when driving, which is why you should never get behind the wheel under these circumstances.

Headaches, nausea and sleep disturbances are the most common symptoms that occur during pregnancy. As a general rule, headache tablets should only be taken during this time with the advice of your doctor or pharmacist.
Tablets such as aspirin or ibuprofen are still considered safe in the early stages of pregnancy. However, from the fifth month onwards you should avoid these medicines as they can affect the kidneys and circulation of your unborn child.
Paracetamol was long considered safe during pregnancy. However, doctors strictly advise against its use. The risks are considered to be later developmental disorders or an asthma disease of your child.
However, paracetamol is not yet known to have any negative effects on breastfeeding. Although a small amount of the substance ibuprofen passes into breast milk, breastfeeding can be continued without hesitation if you take it for a short time. Breastfeeding should only be interrupted if the dosage is higher or the treatment is prolonged.
Aspirin, on the other hand, should never be taken while breastfeeding.