ibu first choice tension headache

Home > News & Events > Newsletters

	Newsletters
	Media Releases
	Conferences
	Photo Library

Ibuprofen first choice for tension headache, GPs advised

The PRODIGY knowledge base has advised GPs to recommend ibuprofen as the drug of choice for the treatment of tension-type headache in adults.

PRODIGY (www.prodigy.nhs.uk), which is funded by the Department of Health, provides evidence-based advice to health professionals on the management of common clinical conditions. It has recently published several quick reference guides covering the treatment of headache.

Tension-type headache is the commonest type of headache and may be episodic or chronic; in some cases it may last up to 7 days or occur on 15 days a month. It is usually stress-related, causing mild to moderately severe bilateral pain.

PRODIGY recommends an NSAID when analgesia is required for episodic headache in the over-16s. The NSAID of choice is ibuprofen at a dose of 400 - 800 mg three times a day. The guidance recommends prescribing sufficient tablets for 16 days' treatment. If an NSAID is contraindicated, paracetamol is the drug of choice.

Contact us
For more information.