Don’t give yourself a headache trying to figure out which pain reliever to use. Here’s how to find relief for what ails you.
A basic understanding of what the over-the-counter pain relievers are and how they work will help next time you head for the drugstore and that baffling pain reliever aisle. First, there are two main types of pain relievers: acetaminophen and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID s), which include ibuprofen and naproxen. Aspirin is also a NSAID , but it has other unique properties. Second, all work to relieve pain and fever, but only NSAID s ease inflammation. Third, some pain relievers use combinations of pain killing ingredients. Read on to learn more.
Acetaminophen
 | COMMON BRAND NAME: Tylenol®
WHAT IT DOES: Relieves pain and reduces fever by working on the central nervous system to block or decrease sensitivity to pain. BEST FOR: Fever, minor aches and pains. BONUS: Won’t irritate the stomach. Considered generally safe for long-term use for people with arthritis or other chronic pain. USE CAUTION:In high doses, can cause liver damage. Drinking alcohol while you’re taking acetaminophen increases your risk of liver damage. |
Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
COMMON BRAND NAMES: Advil®, Motrin®(Ibuprofen), Aleve® (Naproxen)
WHAT THEY DO: Stop the body’s production of a substance called prostaglandin that causes pain, fever and inflammation. BEST FOR: Pain from muscle sprains, arthritis and menstrual cramps. BONUS: Reduces swelling and inflammation. Naproxen offers longer pain relief than other NSAIDs and is usually the ingredient found in “extended” or “all-day” relief medications. USE CAUTION:NSAIDs can cause gastrointestinal bleeding, as well as increased risk of lifethreatening heart or circulation problems, including heart attack or stroke. You might want to take NSAIDs with food or milk to lessen stomach upset. |  |
Aspirin
 | COMMON BRAND NAMES: Bayer®, Bufferin®, St. Joseph®
WHAT IT DOES: Like NSAIDs, it inhibits the production of prostaglandin. Aspirin also prevents platelets from sticking together, reducing the tendency of the blood to clot. BEST FOR: Treating mild to moderate pain, inflammation and fever. BONUS: Under the supervision of a doctor, also used to treat or prevent heart attacks, strokes, and chest pain. USE CAUTION: Can cause gastrointestinal bleeding. In addition, it should not be given to children or teens with fever, flu or cold symptoms because of an association between aspirin and the potentially fatal Reye’s syndrome. |