Compound analgesics are those with multiple active ingredients; they include many of the stronger prescription analgesics.
Active ingredients that have been commonly used in compound analgesics include:
- aspirin or ibuprofen
- caffeine
- codeine or oxycodone
- paracetamol (acetaminophen)
- phenacetin
There is evidence that a compound of two analgesics with different mechanism of action can have an increased painkilling effect over the sum of the effect of each individual analgesic.[1]
Several such formulations have disappeared from over-the-counter status in drug store aisles and other retail outlets. One example is APC (aspirin, phenacetin, and caffeine) compound tablets common from the 1940s to 1983; because of harmful side effects of phenacetin, Anacin in the U.S. was reformulated to eliminate it; while Vincent's APC is no longer sold. Some others have been judged to contribute too often to substance abuse.
Another example is Bex, a once popular Australian compound analgesic which is no longer sold. It contained 42% aspirin, 42% phenacetin, plus caffeine.[2]
The United States Food and Drug Administration also now requires that manufacturers of compound analgesics unequivocally state each ingredient's purpose.
References
- ^ Beaver, William T. (1984). "Combination Analgesics". The American Journal of Medicine. Elsevier BV. 77 (3): 38–53. doi:10.1016/s0002-9343(84)80101-1. ISSN 0002-9343.
- ^ Powerhouse Museum. "Packet of Bex Powders". Powerhouse Museum, Australia. Retrieved 10 July 2011.
External links
- APC definition and brief history.