When it comes to over-the-counter pain relievers, there are many options, and it can be difficult to determine which one is best for your specific condition. Acetaminophen? Ibuprofen? NSAIDs? What do these drugs mean? What medication should I take to treat common headaches or fever after surgery?
The next time the pain returns, check out our guide to which over-the-counter pain relievers you should use so you can feel better again.
There are two main types of over-the-counter pain relievers: acetaminophen and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Acetaminophen may relieve mild to moderate pain and reduce fever. It works by blocking signals from pain receptors in the body and affecting the part of the brain that regulates heat, which helps reduce fever. However, it does not treat inflammation.
Acetaminophen is also the safest choice for people who are pregnant or breastfeeding and for children under 12 years of age.
“Acetaminophen is often an over-the-counter pain reliever for pain relief and fever, especially in children,” says Heath Lamoreaux, PharmD, a retail pharmacist at University of Utah Health. “Acetaminophen is very well tolerated whether taken with or without food, so it’s easier on the stomach.”
However, acetaminophen can harm the liver. Do not take acetaminophen if you drink alcohol or have severe liver or kidney disease.
NSAIDs can relieve pain, lower fever, and reduce inflammation. They work by blocking the production of chemicals called prostaglandins, which cause feelings of pain and inflammation.
Aspirin can also help relieve the above symptoms, but it is also used to treat some cardiovascular diseases. Because it thins the blood, it can reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes by preventing blood clots. However, for this reason, it is best to consult a doctor before taking aspirin, as long-term use can cause serious side effects such as gastrointestinal bleeding. Aspirin therapy should only be considered for people who are at increased risk of heart disease or stroke. Children under 18 should not take aspirin because it is associated with a rare syndrome called Reye’s syndrome.
”The latest recommendations indicate that only certain people under the supervision of a physician should take aspirin daily,” Lamoreaux said. “Like ibuprofen, aspirin is harmful to the stomach, so it should be taken with food.”
It’s worth noting that non-aspirin NSAIDs may increase your risk of heart attack or stroke, so it’s important to talk to your doctor before taking them, especially if you have chronic kidney disease, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or take blood thinning medications. NSAIDs that do not contain aspirin are generally not recommended for use in children or during pregnancy because they may cause harm to the fetus.
As with any medicine, be sure to follow the label directions carefully and take the lowest dose possible. Be sure to tell your doctor or pharmacist about all the medications you take so they can tell you if there is a possibility of harmful drug interactions.
”If patients are taking cough and cold medications, those medications often already contain Tylenol or ibuprofen,” Lamoreaux said. “When they take cough and cold medications, patients should be clear that they are not taking Tylenol or ibuprofen at the same time.”
Do not take different medications that contain the same pain-relieving ingredients. For example, Motrin and Advil contain ibuprofen and should not be taken at the same time. But it is generally considered safe to take Motrin and Tylenol together because one contains ibuprofen and the other acetaminophen.
Carefully reading and following label directions and asking your doctor or pharmacist may be a safe and effective way to relieve pain.
Post time: Dec-19-2023