Over-the-counter pain relievers have different strong suits, so don't think of them as one-size-fits-all. Sometimes the reckless selection can be seriously risky. Here are some common pain relievers and their pros and cons which you consider carefully so that you can make a sensible decision.
Acetaminophen
Best for: Excellent for pain relief and fever reduction. Commonly used long-term for osteoarthritis, chronic back pain and headaches.
Side effects: Very few if taken as directed, which makes it our experts' first choice for over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers. If not taken as directed, risk of liver failure.
Take this with: You do not need to take on a full stomach or with food/milk.
Alcohol warning: Anything that may be toxic to or interfere with liver function should be minimized or avoided when using Tylenol, alcohol specifically.
Who shouldn't take it: Be cautious if taking prescription medications that contain acetaminophen, such as Vicodin, Percocet and Lorcet, or nonprescription products like Midol Complete, Excedrin or Nyquil, because you can unintentionally overdose and cause liver damage or failure.
Kid warning: Use the child-specific product with children. Use dosing cup or dropper that comes with product; household teaspoons aren't uniform and you can overdose or underdose your child.
Warnings: You may take 4,000 milligrams daily up to 10 days for pain. Taking more puts you at risk for liver failure. "We see unintentional overdoses when people combine multiple products with acetaminophen, such as Nyquil and Tylenol," says Dr. Jan Engle, past president, American Pharmacists Association. If you're taking it long-term for chronic pain, consider having liver function tests done once or twice a year.
Ibuprofen
Best for: This nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) is effective for pain relief and fever reduction. It doesn't have much of an anti-inflammatory effect at the recommended dose. Popular for dental pain, menstrual cramps.Side effects: Most common side effect is stomach bleeding/ulcers, usually caused by long-term (three months or longer) use. Increased blood pressure, fluid retention and reduced kidney function are also concerns in long-term usage and short-term at higher doses.
Take this with: Take on a full stomach or with food/milk.
Alcohol warning: Do not take if you've consumed three or more drinks because alcohol is a stomach irritant and the combination can cause gastro-intestinal bleeding.
Who shouldn't take it: If you are older than 60, or if you take oral steroids or blood thinners. If you have ulcers, heartburn or congestive heart failure, talk to your doctor or pharmacist first before taking ibuprofen.
Kid warning: Ibuprofen is OK for children only in the kid form (drops, chewable tablets). Don't give adult ibuprofen to children. Use dosing cup or dropper that comes with product; household teaspoons aren't uniform and you might overdose or underdose.
Warnings: Do not mix with other pain relievers. Check with doctor or pharmacist for potential drug interactions. Do not take more than 10 days without consulting your physician.
Naproxen Sodium
Best for: This long-acting, nonsteroidal, anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) is effective for pain relief and fever reduction. It doesn't have much of an anti-inflammatory effect at the recommended dose. Popular for menstrual cramps.
It is longer-acting than ibuprofen, so it needs to be taken less frequently.
Side effects: Same as ibuprofen. Most common side effect is stomach bleeding/ulcers, usually caused by long-term (three months or longer) use. Increased blood pressure, fluid retention and reduced kidney function are also concerns in long-term usage and short-term at higher doses.
Take this with: Take on a full stomach or with food/milk.
Alcohol warning: Do not take if you've consumed three or more drinks because alcohol is a stomach irritant and the combination can cause gastro-intestinal bleeding.
Who shouldn't take it: Children. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking Naproxen if you are older than 60, take oral steroids or blood thinners, have ulcers, heartburn or congestive heart failure.
Kid warning: Do not give to children.
Warnings: Do not mix with other pain relievers. Check with your doctor or pharmacist for potential drug interactions. Do not take more than 10 days without consulting your physician.