A 42-year-old man buys co-codamol twice weekly and ibuprofen most days for headaches. He now has headaches on most days and asks for stronger

Question

A 42-year-old man buys co-codamol twice weekly and ibuprofen most days for headaches. He now has headaches on most days and asks for stronger painkillers. What is the most appropriate action?

Accepted Answer

Discuss possible medication-overuse headache and refer for review

Answer

Suggest using two analgesic classes at maximum dose together long term

Answer

Advise taking ibuprofen before symptoms start each morning

Answer

Recommend daily codeine because headaches are frequent

Answer

Reassure that frequent analgesic use prevents chronic headache

Medication overuse headache — GPhC CRA MCQ

A 42-year-old man buys co-codamol twice weekly and ibuprofen most days for headaches. He now has headaches on most days and asks for stronger painkillers. What is the most appropriate action?