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.