What Types of OTC Pain Relievers Are There?
When it comes to OTC, or over-the-counter, pain relievers, there are two categories: acetaminophen and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs , which include:
- Aspirin
- Ibuprofen
- Naproxen
Each of these products, when taken as directed, are safe and effective in treating a wide range of pains. However, using too much of any pain reliever or taking pain relievers when you have underlying conditions or fall into a high-risk demographic, can result in a range of unwanted side effects, from liver failure and kidney disease to Reye syndrome.
If you have to take multiple OTC medications, always check labels for active ingredients to be sure that you aren’t taking twice the recommended dosage for a pain reliever like acetaminophen. If you’re taking prescription medications, such as blood thinners, always discuss with your physician what OTC medications are safe for you to use, and in what dosage, to avoid drug interactions.
Which Pain Reliever Is Best For Me?
Which of the two main categories of pain reliever will work best for you depends on what kind of pain you’re suffering from, combined with your age and other risk factors. OTC pain relievers should only be used for temporary pain relief, and should not be used for a period longer than 10 days unless prescribed by your doctor for management of a chronic condition. If you have developed a pain that lasts longer than a week, call your doctor. Find out what could be causing the pain to rule out a more serious condition that you may be masking with your pain relievers.
If you have a chronic condition, are taking prescription medications, or have a risk factor that might cause a drug reaction or interaction, check with your physician to determine which type of pain reliever is best for you.
Acetaminophen
Recommended For: Acetaminophen is recommended for fever reduction and pain management as a result of muscle aches, headaches, cold and flu symptoms, back pain, toothaches, arthritis, and PMS symptoms. It does not effectively treat pain as a result of inflammation.
How It Works: Acetaminophen works by targeting the parts of the brain that manage pain messages and control body temperature.
Who Should Use It: Acetaminophen is considered the safest type of pain reliever for infants and children, and does not have as many risks for side effects or stomach problems as NSAIDs. It is also considered to be the safer option for management of chronic pain caused by arthritis and other chronic illnesses.
Warnings: If you’re taking a form of acetaminophen that’s prescribed by a doctor (such as Tylenol #3), it is often combined with a stronger painkiller (such as codeine). Use caution when taking these pills and don’t confuse them with OTC acetaminophen.
You should never take more than 3,000 mg of acetaminophen in a 24 hour period; larger amounts can cause damage to your liver, and the effects of that damage may not be evident for several days after an overdose. You should also speak with your doctor before combining acetaminophen with prescription painkillers.
Do not take acetaminophen if you:
- Have been diagnosed with kidney or liver disease
- Consume three or more alcoholic beverages a day
- Are taking other medications that contain acetaminophen
A Note About Infant’s Tylenol: In 2011, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning for parents to check the dosage on their infant Tylenol, because of a dosing change for all manufacturers of infant acetaminophen that could result in accidental overdoses. You should always check the dosing instructions on your OTC pain relievers – especially those being given to infants and children. Giving too little of the medication can result in it being ineffective, and too much can cause a potentially lethal overdose.
NSAIDs
Recommended For: NSAIDs are used to treat mild to moderate muscle aches and pains, and pains from toothaches, headaches, arthritis, and PMS symptoms. Aspirin, one type of NSAID, is used to help prevent heart attacks and strokes – but using a regular aspirin regimen is always something that should be discussed with a doctor first.
How It Works: NSAIDs work by reducing the level of prostaglandins in the body. These hormone-like chemicals cause the pain sensation by irritating nerve endings to signal the brain that there is a problem. They are also involved in the body’s temperature management systems.
Who Should Use It: NSAIDs, when taken for a period of less than 10 days, are safe for most people. They are not the preferred pain killer for regular use in pain management for chronic illnesses.
Warnings: NSAIDs have a higher risk for side effects and complications than acetaminophen, although they are considered safe for use by most people. You should always check with your doctor before using an NSAID or other OTC pain killer if you have a chronic condition or risk factor, such as:
- Heart disease or high blood pressure
- Bleeding disorders
- Consumption of three or more alcoholic beverages a day
- Stomach or digestive tract bleeding or peptic ulcers
- Kidney disease
- Liver disease
- Are taking prescription medications, such as blood thinners (this is especially true for those taking aspirin on a daily basis)
- Are taking a prescription NSAID, such as Celebrex or Relafen
A Note About Aspirin And Children: Aspirin should never be given to children. Studies have shown that Reye’s syndrome, a rare but potentially fatal condition that causes swelling of the brain and liver, can result when this particular NSAID is used on children who are battling viral infections, such as chickenpox or flu.
At the end of the day, if you're still unsure which painkiller is right for you, talk to your physician.