Healthy Hints — Which over-the-counter pain reliever to use
This is just an overview of over-the-counter pain medications to help you choose the ones that best suit your medical situation. Many people do not realize the different possible dangers involved with different medications, especially when using over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers on a regular basis. Note: All of these are all only meant for TEMPORARY relief of ACUTE pain. No OTC pain reliever should be used to ease pain for more than 10 days at a time.
Acetaminophen (like Tylenol):
Acetaminophen is found in a lot of products, including cold & cough remedies and many prescriptions, and that means that a lot of people are not aware of how much of this drug they may actually be using. Although it makes a great headache pain reliever and a miracle of a fever reducer, acetaminophen can be highly damaging to the liver. Absolutely do NOT use acetaminophen if you drink more than 3 alcoholic drinks in a day. On the positive side, acetaminophen won’t irritate the stomach like other pain relievers, it is safe for children and is the safest choice during pregnancy or when breast feeding.
Anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) — Aspirin (like Excedrin or Bayer):
Aspirin can also relieve pain and it also reduces fevers. However, aspirin is very hard on the stomach and drinking any alcohol with it increases the risk of stomach bleeding and ulcers. Many people are allergic to aspirin and it has been known to cause ringing in the ears. Children under 18 should NEVER take aspirin as Reye Syndrome can develop. Pregnant women and breast-feeding women should not take aspirin either. On the positive side, aspirin may be the best OTC for arthritis, and it is the only NSAID that reduces the risk for heart attack & stroke. So, even though you should never take aspirin long-term for pain relief, your doctor may have you take a low dose version long-term for your heart. (Did you know that all the other NSAIDs listed below may actually increase heart risks?).
Anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) — Ibuprofen (like Advil or Motrin) or Naproxen Sodium (like Aleve):
The other NSAIDs are also hard on the stomach. Both drinking and smoking increase the risks of stomach issues and ulcers using these NSAIDs. A lot of other medical issues do not mix well with Ibuprofen and Naproxen Sodium. Before using them, talk to your doctor if you have kidney disease, liver cirrhosis, heart disease, have asthma, are pregnant or even if you just have high blood pressure. On the positive side, Ibuprofen and Naproxen Sodium may be the best OTC drugs to use for muscle cramps, menstrual cramps or body pains and they may be given to children as well.
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