Whether you get a toothache, headache, arthritis, or period cramps, non-prescription medicine might take your day from terrible to tolerable. There are so many types of over-the-counter (OTC) remedies to choose from, though -- and
each one helps relieve pain in its own way. Here’s some advice on how to know what could work best for you. This type of medication works on the parts of your brain that receive pain messages and control
your body temperature. It can ease pain and lower a fever, but it won’t reduce any swelling and inflammation. It may be a good choice to treat a headache,
arthritis pain, or a fever. Bonus:Acetaminophen is less likely to cause stomach issues than other OTC
pain-relievers. Risks: Though it’s generally safe, this medication can cause liver damage if you use too much over time. Adults shouldn’t take more than 4,000 milligrams per day. Be careful not to accidentally double dose -- acetaminophen may be one of the ingredients in other medicines you take. According to the FDA, there are over 600 medicines, both
prescription and OTC, that contain this drug, including several cold and flu medicines. So if you’ve got the sniffles and a headache, and you reach for the cold medicine, be sure to read the label first. If it has acetaminophen, count it toward your daily limit. This medication is a type of
nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that reduces fevers, pain, and inflammation. NSAIDs work by lowering the
amount of hormone-like substances called prostaglandins. Those cause the feeling of pain by irritating your nerve endings. So if you have less, you'll feel better. Ibuprofen may be a good choice for treating menstrual
cramps, headaches, toothaches, backaches, arthritis, muscle strains, and gout. Risks: With the exception of
aspirin, NSAIDs can raise the risk of heart attacks or strokes. This is especially true if you: They can also be tough on your stomach and cause bleeding if you use them every day. This especially applies to you if: They aren't good options for people at high risk of kidney problems.Acetaminophen
Ibuprofen
This is another NSAID that helps with pain. It
works similarly to ibuprofen, and it relieves inflammation and fevers as well. It may be a good choice for treating menstrual cramps, backaches, colds, headaches, toothaches, and arthritis. Risks: The risk for
stomach problems is the same as with other NSAIDs. But naproxen may be a safer choice than ibuprofen for people at risk of
heart disease, some studies show. Its pain-relieving origins go back over 2,000 years. But the aspirin you might have in your medicine cabinet today has come a long way. It belongs in the
NSAID class of meds. It may be a good choice for treating headaches, toothaches, colds, and fever. Bonus: It slows blood clots from forming. Many doctors recommend one aspirin a day to help lower the risk of strokes and
heart attacks in certain people. Risks: If you take a daily aspirin, wait at least 30 minutes before taking any other NSAIDs (such as ibuprofen), since they can make the aspirin less effective if taken together. If you take the different NSAID first, wait 8 hours before taking aspirin. Aspirin can cause
upset stomach or, in rare cases, bleeding in the intestines or stomach. Don’t take any for more than 10 days straight without checking in with your doctor. Be careful with kids. If your child or teenager has the
flu, chicken pox, or any other viral infection, do not give them aspirin. Doing that is
linked to Reye’s syndrome, a rare but serious childhood illness that can affect the brain and liver.Naproxen
Aspirin
What's Right for You
The key is to find a treatment that works for you. If you're at risk for heart, liver, or kidney diseases, talk to your doctor before taking any medication.
If you want to avoid side effects or just want to try an alternative type of pain relief, some options include acupuncture, yoga, exercise, and cognitive behavioral therapy.
Also called: Analgesics, Pain killers, Pain medicines
On this page
See, Play and Learn
- No links available
Summary
Pain relievers are medicines that reduce or relieve headaches, sore muscles, arthritis, or other aches and pains. There are many different pain medicines, and each one has advantages and risks. Some types of pain respond better to certain medicines than others. Each person may also have a slightly different response to a pain reliever.
Over-the-counter (OTC) medicines are good for many types of pain. There are two main types of OTC pain medicines: acetaminophen (Tylenol) and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Aspirin, naproxen (Aleve), and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) are examples of OTC NSAIDs.
If OTC medicines don't relieve your pain, your doctor may prescribe something stronger. Many NSAIDs are also available at higher prescription doses. The most powerful pain relievers are opioids. They are very effective, but they can sometimes have serious side effects. There is also a risk of addiction. Because of the risks, you must use them only under a doctor's supervision.
There are many things you can do to help ease pain. Pain relievers are just one part of a pain treatment plan.
Start Here
- Chronic Pain Medicines (American Academy of Family Physicians) Also in Spanish
- Pain Relievers: Understanding Your OTC Options (American Academy of Family Physicians) Also in Spanish
- Don't Double Up on Acetaminophen (Food and Drug Administration) Also in Spanish
- Keeping Kidneys Safe: Smart Choices about Medicines
(National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases)
- Pain Control After Surgery: Pain Medicines (American Academy of Family Physicians) Also in Spanish
- Chronic Pain Medicines (American Academy of Family Physicians) Also in Spanish
- Chronic Pain: Medication Decisions (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research)
- Cortisone Shots (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research) Also in Spanish
- Nerve Blocks (American College of Radiology; Radiological Society of North America) Also in Spanish
- NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs) (American College of Rheumatology) Also in Spanish
- Prescription Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Medicines (American Academy of Family Physicians) Also in Spanish
- Safe Use, Storage, and Disposal of Opioid Drugs (American Academy of Family Physicians) Also in Spanish
- Support for People with Cancer: Cancer Pain Control
(National Cancer Institute) - PDF