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Author: Admin | 2025-04-28
Content Hub Content Hub Home - The Thread Buying Guides How to choose an over-the-counter pain reliever Buying Guides By Chelsea Grow, MD, board-certified neurologist and headache specialist Nov 06, 2023 • 12 min Over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers can help alleviate minor aches and pains, and some also reduce fevers. Because you can purchase them without a prescription, they can be a convenient solution for pain. However, you should still consult your healthcare provider before taking any new over-the-counter pain reliever for the first time.Which over-the-counter pain reliever is right for you depends on a number of factors, including the cause and type of pain, what other medications you take and your medical history. Acetaminophen View acetaminophen productsAvailable in generic form and sold under the brand name Tylenol, acetaminophen is a pain reliever that’s taken by mouth. Although its method of action isn’t fully understood, the drug seems to work by acting on the brain.Benefits and usageAcetaminophen can temporarily ease mild to moderate pain due to a variety of causes, including:BackachesColdsHeadachesMenstrual crampsMuscle achesSore throatsOsteoarthritisIn addition, acetaminophen can lower fevers. The biggest benefit of the drug is that it has fewer potential side effects than nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).Side effects and risksLike all medications, acetaminophen does pose a risk for side effects. The most common are generally not serious and include:Difficulty sleepingHeadacheNauseaUpset stomachSome people are allergic to acetaminophen and may experience severe reactions, like hives, difficulty breathing and swelling of the face, if they take the drug. Other more serious risks of taking acetaminophen include liver injury and irritation or loosening of skin.Because it is metabolized by the liver, use caution with the amount of acetaminophen you take and avoid exceeding the recommended or prescribed dosing. If you have a history of liver disorders, consult your healthcare providers prior to using acetaminophen. Oral NSAIDs View NSAID productsRather than acting on the brain, NSAIDs help lower the number of substances called prostaglandins that are present in the body. These hormone-like lipids play a role in both pain and swelling. As a result, NSAIDs can relieve both pain and inflammation.Aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen are all over-the-counter NSAIDs taken by mouth. Each of these medications has unique characteristics. Aspirin View aspirin productsTo alleviate pain, aspirin interferes with the production of prostaglandins. The medication is available in generic form and sold under various brand names, such as Bufferin and Bayer.Benefits and usageHealthcare providers may recommend
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