Analgesics for dental pain
Ibuprofen + paracetamol combination is first line for most adults.
- Ibuprofen 400 mg every 6–8 h (max 2400 mg/day prescription, 1200 mg OTC).
- Paracetamol / acetaminophen 1 g every 4–6 h (max 4 g/day; 2–3 g if hepatic risk, low weight, alcohol).
- Combination ibuprofen 400 mg + paracetamol 1 g is more effective than opioids for most dental pain.
- Avoid NSAIDs: active peptic ulcer, severe renal impairment, NSAID-sensitive asthma, late pregnancy, anticoagulants (caution).
UK vs US
UK / Europe
SDCEP: ibuprofen 400 mg every 4–6 h; paracetamol 1 g every 4–6 h (max 4 g/day).
United States
ADA 2024: ibuprofen 400 mg + acetaminophen 1000 mg first line; avoid opioids unless NSAIDs are contraindicated. Max acetaminophen 4 g/day (3 g if risk factors).
Sources
- SDCEP — Drug Prescribing for DentistryUK
- ADA/Univ. of Pittsburgh — Acute dental pain management guideline (2024)US
- BNF (British National Formulary)UK
Checked against these sources on 2026-10-22. Guidelines change — open the source to confirm.
Summarised from the sources above. Always verify against current local guidelines and the patient's medical history.
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