Over-the-counter pain relievers

Over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers can help relieve pain or lower a fever. Over-the-counter means you can buy these medicines without a prescription.

The most common types of OTC pain medicines are acetaminophen, aspirin, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Information

Pain medicines are also called analgesics. Each kind of pain medicine has benefits and risks. Some types of pain respond better to one kind of medicine than to another kind. What takes away your pain might not work for someone else.

Taking pain medicines before exercising is OK. But do not overdo the exercise just because you have taken the medicine.

Read labels to learn how much medicine you or your child can take at one time and during the whole day. This is known as the dosage. Talk to your pharmacist or your child's health care provider if you are not sure about the correct amount. Do not give children medicine that is meant for adults.

Other tips for taking pain medicines:

• If you take pain relievers on most days, tell your provider. You may need to be watched for side effects.
• Do not take more than the amount recommended on the container or more than your provider tells you to take.
• Read the warnings on the label before taking the medicine.
• Store medicine safely and securely. Check the dates on medicine containers to see when you should throw them away.

  Medicine safely and securely

  Storing your medicines properly can help to ensure they work as they should as well as prevent poisoning accidents.

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ACETAMINOPHEN

Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is a non-aspirin pain reliever. It is NOT an NSAID, which is described below.

• Acetaminophen relieves fever and headaches, and other common aches and pains. It does not relieve inflammation.
• This medicine does not cause as many stomach problems as other pain medicines do. It is also safer for children. Acetaminophen is often recommended for arthritis pain because it has fewer side effects than other pain medicines.
• Examples of OTC brands of acetaminophen are Tylenol, Paracetamol, and Panadol.
• Acetaminophen prescribed by a provider is usually a stronger medicine. It is often combined with a narcotic ingredient.

PRECAUTIONS

• Adults should not take more than 3 grams (3,000 mg) of acetaminophen in a single day. Large amounts can harm your liver. Remember that 3 grams is about the same as 6 extra-strength pills (500 mg each) or 9 regular pills (325 mg each).
• People with liver disease should usually not take more than 2 grams (2,000 mg) of acetaminophen in a single day. Check with your provider for guidance on what is safe for you.
• If you are also taking pain medicine prescribed by your provider, talk to your provider or pharmacist before taking any OTC acetaminophen.
• For children, follow package instructions for the maximum amount your child can have at one time and in a single day. Call your child's provider if you are not sure about the instructions.

ASPIRIN and NSAIDS

• Aspirin and NSAIDs relieve fever and pain. They also reduce swelling from arthritis or a muscle sprain or strain.
• When taken for a short time (no longer than 10 days), aspirin and NSAIDs are safe for most people. They can cause stomach upset or even ulcers in some people.
• Children under age 18 years should not take aspirin due to a risk for Reye syndrome.
• Some NSAIDs can be bought over the counter, such as aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), and naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn).
• Other NSAIDs are prescribed by your provider.

PRECAUTIONS

• DO NOT give aspirin to children under 18 years of age. Reye syndrome can occur when aspirin is used to treat children who have viral infections, such as chickenpox or the flu.

  Reye syndrome

  Reye syndrome is characterized by sudden (acute) brain damage and liver function problems. This condition does not have a known cause. This syndrome...

  

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Talk to your provider or pharmacist before using aspirin or any over-the-counter NSAID if you:

• Have heart disease, high blood pressure, kidney disease, liver disease, or stomach or digestive tract bleeding.
• Take other medicines, especially blood thinners such as warfarin (Coumadin),clopidogrel (Plavix), apixiban (Eliquis), dabigatran (Pradaxa), or rivaroxaban (Xarelto).

  Warfarin

  Warfarin is a medicine that makes your blood less likely to form clots. It is important that you take warfarin exactly as you have been told. Chang...

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  Clopidogrel

  Platelets are small cells in your blood that your body uses to form clots and stop bleeding. If you have too many platelets or your platelets stick ...

  

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• Are taking NSAIDs prescribed by your provider, including celecoxib (Celebrex), nabumetone (Relafen), or others.