Pain Relievers Buying Guide

If you've ever had a headache, sore back, stressed muscle, or hangover, you're familiar with pain relievers.  Though virtually everyone takes over-the-counter pain relievers at least once and awhile, few of us know the difference between the bottles on the shelf. This guide is aimed at helping you make an informed decision about the medications  you purchase. 

Unfortunately, people tend to think Tylenol,  Advil,  and Aleve  are interchangeable. Though they can all be used to treat the same ailments, they are not the same medication. Different pills contain different active ingredients, which means they each effect your body differently - even if it feels the same. If you have any serious health condition, you should ask your doctor which is best for you. If you're in perfect health (aside from that pesky toothache), you should still be discriminating when choosing pain relievers.

Pain relievers aren't all the same because people (and pain) aren't all the same. Remember this when shopping your options - one of these medications is best for you, and one isn't. To take proper care of yourself, you must understand what types of pain relievers are readily available at the local drugstore, and more importantly, which are best for what type of pain. It is also important to check the side effects that are related to these seemingly harmless over-the-counter medications.

Remember that this guide is in NO way a substitute for professional medical advice. Everyone is different and may react adversely to certain drugs especially those under 12, over 65, pregnant women or those breastfeeding, or those with medical conditions. Always read the important information on the labels, including dosage and directions. And please - talk to your doctor before taking any medication.

Acetaminophen /Paracetamol

HOW IT WORKS
  • This is typically what we know and often refer to by the popular brand name, Tylenol. 
  • It is a mild pain reliever that works by physically blocking pain signals going to the brain. Therefore, it gives a sensation that you are no longer in pain, but it does not have any anti-inflammatory properties.

USES

  • Helps relieve pain caused by minor headaches, fevers, injuries or rheumatic pain.
  • It is found in many cold and flu remedies besides tablet form.
  • Nearly everyone can use acetaminophen for their daily aches and pains without a problem, unless you know that you have a liver problem or problems with alcoholism.

SIDE EFFECTS

  • What you should know about this drug is that it can have adverse effects on the liver.
  • It's not recommended for curing a hangover.

BRANDS

HOW IT WORKS
  • By stopping the production of prostaglandins, which cause pain by irritating nerve endings, it reduces inflammation and swelling that causes the pain.
  • Aspirin is the original NSAID. Ibuprofen, naproxen, and ketoprofen are of the newer variety of the drug.

USES

  • Relieves aches, pains, menstrual cramps, tooth aches, headaches, hangovers and fevers.
  • Useful for treating arthritis and muscle pain or injuries, including strains and sprains.

SIDE EFFECTS

  • Aspirin may help reduce the risk of heart attacks and blood clot-related strokes. Newer NSAIDs, such as Ibuprofen, have been said to actually increase your risk of incurring a heart attack or stroke.
  • May cause upset stomach, which is why it is not recommended for those who suffer from ulcers. To avoid upset stomach, they should be taken with food.
  • Some studies have shown that aspirin and NSAIDs may increase your risks to develop acid reflux and cause internal bleeding in the upper intestinal tract, especially in seniors.

BRANDS


Aspirin/Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)

Codeine

HOW IT WORKS
  • This controlled opiate substance acts inside the brain to alter its reaction and response to pain.

USES

  • This is a very potent, prescription painkiller meant primarily for those suffering from severe pain, caused by either disease or injury.
  • Minimal amounts of this drug are also found in other medications, including cough suppressants and some over-the-counter painkillers like Tylenol with Codeine. 

SIDE EFFECTS

  • This powerful narcotic can be addictive, cause drowsiness and loss of concentration.
  • Do not use this drug while driving or operating heavy machinery.
  • It is usually only available through a prescription. Recently there have been small doses included in some over-the-counter medicines, which has been known to be abused as a recreational drug.

BRANDS

  • Vicodin, Percocet, Percodan, Demerol
HOW IT WORKS
  • When applied topically to the skin, it can temporarily numb pain through absorption.
  • Topical analgesics may come in gel, cream, liquid, balm, lozenge or spray form. Which you choose is usually a matter of convenience and where the painkiller will be used.

USES

  • Ideal for soothing aching muscles, sore joints and sports injuries.
  • Some are acceptable for relieving pain caused by toothaches and canker and cold sores.
  • Not suitable for headaches, hangovers or serious injuries.

SIDE EFFECTS

  • There is no chance of addiction or overdose related to this type of pain relief.
  • Skin allergies are a possibility as well as irritation.
  • Be careful to check ingredient listings to make sure you don't have an allergy to any active or inactive ingredients in the product.

BRANDS

Topical Analgesic 

Children and Pain Relief

For children, chewables, effervescents and liquid elixirs are easy to give and to regulate pain relief. Plus they don't pose any choking risk. For very young children, drops can be useful in administering pain killers because you can regulate dosage precisely. Please see the "External Links" section for more information about pain killers and the side effect that they pose for children.

External Links

  • Acetaminophen
    • WebMD.com: Tylenol and its links to sudden liver failure from December 2005.
    • Nlm.nih.gov: Some information by MedlinePlus about acetaminophen, including dosing and lists of brands.
    • Epinions.com: Post drinking headache relief. Why Tylenol is not the best choice.
  • Aspirin
    • Parade.com: A former medical student talks about aspirin, hangovers, dosing, side effects, and the gastrointestinal risks associated with using aspirin and NSAIDs.
    • MayoClinic.com: NSAIDs and negative gastrointestinal side effects.
    • WebMD.com: An article about how most pain killers increase the risk for heart disease and stroke from 2005.
    • Annals.org: A study by the Annals of Internal Medicine about the increased risk of heart attacks from NSAIDs in people over 65.
    • BayerAsperin.com: Their fact sheet about aspirin.
  • Children
  • General
  • Relief for Different Types of Pain