Condition guide
Headache
Dealing with a pounding headache that won't quit? Find fast-acting pain relief tailored to your headache type and intensity.
Find the right medicinePregnancy & breastfeeding: If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning pregnancy, consult your GP or pharmacist before taking any medication. Some pain relievers and decongestants are not safe during pregnancy or late pregnancy.
Treatment and relief options
- Paracetamol or ibuprofen for tension headaches
- Aspirin or combination products for migraines (if diagnosed); avoid ibuprofen/aspirin if ulcers, bleeding risk, kidney disease, late pregnancy, breastfeeding, or on anticoagulants; avoid aspirin in children/teens (Reye's syndrome risk)
- Stay hydrated and rest in a dark, quiet room
- Limit analgesics to <10 days/month to avoid medication overuse headache
- Track triggers (stress, caffeine, sleep); triptans require prescription
Top picks
Top pick
Panadol Rapid (Paracetamol 500mg)
Paracetamol works for most tension headaches — keep your total use under 10 days a month to avoid medication overuse headache.
Best anti-inflammatory option
Nurofen (Ibuprofen 200mg)
The other first-line option for tension headaches — avoid ibuprofen if you have ulcers, bleeding risk, kidney disease, are in late pregnancy or breastfeeding, or take anticoagulants.
General information only — check with your pharmacist or GP before starting a new medicine. Always read the label and follow the directions for use.
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Children’s Dosage Calculator
Estimate paracetamol & ibuprofen doses by weight
Enter a valid weight (up to 50kg) to see dosage estimates.
Read this before you measure
- This is a general estimate only — the product label always takes priority.
- Always check the concentration on your specific bottle, as brands vary.
- Use the measuring cup or syringe that comes with the medicine.
- Don’t use ibuprofen for children under 3 months, or with asthma or chickenpox, unless advised by a doctor.
Not a prescription
This calculator gives general information only and isn’t a substitute for professional advice. Always read the label and follow the directions for use, and talk to your pharmacist or doctor about what’s right for your child.
See a doctor or pharmacist if…
- Sudden, severe "thunderclap" headache
- Headache with fever, stiff neck, or rash
- Vision changes or difficulty speaking
- Headache after head injury
- New headache pattern in people over 50
Frequently asked questions
Paracetamol or ibuprofen work for most. Aspirin is effective for migraines but avoid if you have ulcers, bleeding risk, are pregnant/breastfeeding, on anticoagulants, or are a child/teen.
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Medical disclaimer
This information is general in nature and isn’t a substitute for professional medical advice. Always read the label and follow the directions for use. Talk to your pharmacist or doctor about what’s right for you.