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Author: Admin | 2025-04-28
When it comes to over-the-counter (OTC) pain medications, there are a lot of options, and it can be confusing to know which is best for your particular ailment. Acetaminophen? Ibuprofen? NSAIDs? What do these medications mean and which one should take for a common headache, after a surgery, or to reduce a fever? Next time pain rears its ugly head, take a look at our guide to know which OTC pain med to reach for so you can get back to feeling your best. Get to Know the Types There are two main types of OTC pain medications: acetaminophen and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Acetaminophen (Brand name: Tylenol) Acetaminophen can both relieve mild to moderate pain and reduce fever. It works by blocking pain receptor signals in the body and targets the heat-regulating part of the brain, which can help lower a fever. However, it does not treat inflammation. Choose acetaminophen if you are experiencing: A feverArthritis HeadachesAny other common aches and painsAcetaminophen is also the safest option for people who are pregnant or breastfeeding, as well as children younger than 12 years old. “Acetaminophen is generally the first choice OTC analgesic drug for a pain reliever and also a fever reducer, especially in children,” says Heath Lamoreaux, PharmD, a retail pharmacist at University of Utah Health. “Acetaminophen is pretty well-tolerated with or without food, so it’s easier on the stomach.”However, acetaminophen can be hard on your liver. Don’t take acetaminophen while drinking alcohol or if you have a severe liver or kidney disease. NSAIDs NSAIDs relieve pain, lower fevers, and reduce inflammation. They work by blocking the production of a chemical called prostaglandins, which creates the feeling of pain and inflammation.There are a few different types of NSAIDs, which include: Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil)Aspirin (Bayer, St. Joseph)Naproxen (Aleve)So, which of these NSAIDs should you choose for your particular condition?Ibuprofen and Naproxen can be effective for: Lowering feversArthritis painsCommon cold symptomsBackaches and other musculoskeletal achesMenstrual crampsHeadachesToothachesAspirin can also help with the above symptoms, but it is also used to treat some cardiovascular conditions. Since it’s a blood thinner, it can lower the risk of heart attacks and strokes by preventing blood clots. However, it’s always best to talk to your doctor before taking aspirin for this reason, as prolonged use can have serious side effects, such as gastrointestinal bleeding. Only people who have an increased risk of heart attack or stroke should consider an Aspirin regimen. Children younger than 18 should not take aspirin due to association with a rare syndrome called Reye’s Syndrome.“The newest guidelines show that only select individuals under the supervision of their provider should be taking an aspirin a day,” Lamoreaux says. “And like ibuprofen, aspirin is
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