Q Which is the most effective over-the-counter painkiller: ibuprofen, paracetamol, or paracetamol and codeine (co-codamol)?
a The ideal choice varies with the individual and the cause and type of their pain. As a general rule, ibuprofen works best, but has more side effects and interactions with other medicines such as aspirin, antidepressants and anticoagulants, so isn’t suitable for everyone.