ICD-10 Specific code R12: Heartburn

Acetylsalicylic acid combines significant advantages such as strong anti-pyretic, analgesic and anti-inflammatory action, that is the measure of comparison with all the newer NSAIDs.

Codeine is a centrally acting weak analgesic. Codeine exerts its effect through μ opioid receptors, although codeine has low affinity for these receptors, and its analgesic effect is due to its conversion to morphine. Codeine, particularly in combination with other analgesics such as paracetamol, has been shown to be effective in acute nociceptive pain. The anti-tussive activity of codeine is probably due to its depressant effect on the medullary cough centre in the brain.

The combination of paracetamol with codeine is a well-tolerated and effective analgesic. It consists of complementary active substances with different properties, but with common indication, the relief of pain. A special feature of the combination of paracetamol and codeine is the rapid onset of action after 10-20 minutes and the duration of action for 4-6 hours.

Dihydrocodeine is a semisynthetic narcotic analgesic with a potency between morphine and codeine. It is also a centrally-acting anti-tussive. Dihydrocodeine works on the cough centre to lessen the incidence and intensity of coughing fits.

Famotidine is a potent competitive H₂-receptor antagonist. Famotidine has a rapid onset of action and, at the recommended doses, has a long duration of action and is highly effective at relatively low blood concentrations.

Levomepromazine resembles chlorpromazine and promethazine in the pattern of its pharmacology. It possesses anti-emetic, antihistamine and anti-adrenaline activity and exhibits a strong sedative effect.

Magnesium hydroxide is practically insoluble in water and solution is not effected until the hydroxide reacts with hydrochloric acid in the stomach to form magnesium chloride. Its neutralising action is almost equal to that of sodium bicarbonate. When the dose is in excess of that required to neutralise the acid the intragastric pH may reach pH 8 or 9. Acid rebound following magnesium hydroxide is clinically insignificant. Magnesium hydroxide has an indirect cathartic effect resulting from water retention in the intestinal lumen.

Mefenamic acid is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) with anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic properties.

Nitrous oxide is a potent analgesic and a weak anaesthetic. Induction with nitrous oxide is relatively rapid, but a concentration of about 70% is needed to produce unconsciousness.

Paracetamol is a medication used to treat pain and fever. It does appear to selectively inhibit COX activities in the brain, which may contribute to its ability to treat fever and pain.

Pentazocine is an opioid, benzomorphan derivative analgesic with actions and uses similar to those of morphine. It has weak narcotic antagonist actions.

Rofecoxib is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug that exhibits anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antipyretic activities in animal models. The mechanism of action of rofecoxib is believed to be due to inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis, via inhibition of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2).