What You Need to Know About Safely Treating Everyday Aches and Pains
April 2004 — Your head aches. Your lower back hurts. Your shoulder is sore. What will spell R-E-L-I-E-F for you? And more importantly, with all the choices available, how do you know which over-the-counter pain killer is best for safely treating your pain or discomfort?
Consider What Ails You
Minor pain associated with backache, headache, colds, toothache, muscle ache and menstrual cramps can be alleviated with most over-the-counter pain relievers. What you take depends on what is ailing you.
The most common non-prescription pain relievers are aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen and naproxen sodium. All of these inhibit the production of prostaglandins, or hormone-like substances that trigger pain, inflammation and fever in the body.
Aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen sodium inhibit a full range of prostaglandins so they reduce all three symptoms. Acetaminophen affects the prostaglandins that cause pain and fever, but it does not reduce inflammation.
On the shelf, these pain relievers are commonly known as:
- Aspirin
Bayer, Bufferin, Aspirin (generic) and others - Ibuprofen
Advil, Motrin, Ibuprofen (generic) and others - Naproxen Sodium
Nuprin, Naproxen Sodium (generic) and others - Acetaminophen
Tylenol, Acetaminophen (generic) and others
For everyday aches and pains associated with headache, muscle ache and stiff joints, most regular-strength, over-the-counter pain relievers provide comparable relief. For menstrual pain and cramping, anti-inflammatory ibuprofen and naproxen sodium offer more effective relief.
Deciphering Labels
So, if most of these pain relievers offer similarly effective relief, why all the differences in products?
In short, the major difference may be that you are paying more for one remedy than another. By comparing prices per tablet for generic forms vs. name-brand products, you can make a more cost-effective choice. In addition, by carefully reading labels, you can determine the best remedy for your symptoms.
The following guide will help you sort through the options available:
Buffered
This product contains an antacid to reduce acidity, which may help protect your stomach.
Enteric-coated
To reduce stomach irritation, these pills have a special coating to help them pass through the stomach intact and dissolve in the small intestine. Since absorption is
delayed, enteric-coated products are not the best choice for fast relief.
Time-release
For lasting relief, these pills dissolve slowly to maintain a more constant level of pain reliever in your blood. These are also called extended-release and
sustained-release.
Extra-strength
A single dose of these products contains more pain-relieving medicine than a regular-strength dose. For example, a regular-strength dose of aspirin or acetaminophen is
typically 325 mg, while extra strength is typically 500 mg.
Tablet, caplet, gelcap, gum or liquid
All of these forms of pain relief are designed to "help the medicine go down." For example, swallowing a smooth gelcap may be easier for some people than a dry round
pill. All medications should be taken with plenty of water to ensure they don't get stuck in the esophagus, which can cause irritation and burning.
Generic
Typically costing less than brand names, these products are usually just as effective.
Safe Use
Do not hesitate to talk to your doctor about which pain reliever is best for your aches or pains. Avoid adverse drug interaction by understanding the risks involved in over-the-counter or prescription medications.
When it comes to dosage, take the proper amount unless your doctor advises you differently. To minimize stomach upset, take pain relievers with food or milk and avoid alcohol. Excessive doses of acetaminophen, especially when combined with alcohol consumption, may cause serious liver damage.
If you have questions regarding the use of over-the-counter pain relievers, speak to your doctor. For referral to a physician, please call the Memorial Physician Referral Service at (800) 944-DOCS.