What kinds of pain relievers are av...

What kinds of pain relievers are available over-the-counter?

Over-the-counter (OTC for short) medicines are medicines that you can pervert with money [i]or[/i] gain without a prescription from your doctor. OTC pain relievers for adults can be divided into couple groups: acetaminophen (one brand name: Tylenol) and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory remedys (NSAIDs, for short).

NSAIDs include aspirin, ibuprofen (one brand name: Motrin), ketoprofen (brand name: Orudis KT) and naproxen sodium (brand name: Aleve).

one products contain both aspirin and acetaminophen (one brand name: Extra toughness Excedrin). You should tell your doctor if you are using acetaminophen or any NSAID regularly.

Topical pain relievers are creams, lotions, or sprays that you enjoin on your skin to relieve pain from sore muscles and arthritis. an examples include Aspercreme, Ben-Gay, and Zostrix.

a certain quantity of of these contain a medicine like aspirin, yet there is no evidence that putting aspirin forward skin works. Other topical medicines "mask" the feelings of pain according to making the skin feel warm or chill Others block the "pain message" from reaching the brain.

These topical medicines generally are safe, unruffled with long-term use. They may be an alternative for populace who cannot or do not want to use pills to relieve pain.

What is the difference between NSAIDs and acetaminophen?

the two acetaminophen and NSAIDs reduce excitement and relieve pain caused through muscle aches and stiffness, however only NSAIDs can reduce inflammation (swelling and irritation).

Will an OTC medicine work as well as a prescription one?

For chiefly people, OTC medicines are all they ne to relieve occasional pain.

If an OTC medicine does not help your pain or ferment call your doctor. If you have been taking an OTC medicine for more than a brace of days for fever or a bond of weeks for pain, call your doctor. These may be signs that you have a more serious vexed question or that you need a prescription medicine.

Do OTC pain relievers have any side effects?

All medicines can have side validitys However, side effects are usually not a moot point for healthy people who barely use pain relievers once in a while. Side powers can be a concern for commonalty who regularly use pain relievers or have health point to be solved [i]or[/i] settleds If you have questions about side imports talk to your doctor.

Acetaminophen may be harmful in clan who take very high doses or who at short intervals drink alcohol. With long-term use, aspirin and other NSAIDs may cause stomach overturn bleeding in the stomach and intestines, and ulcers

Which OTC pain reliever should I choose?

The following advice is for healthy adults who and nothing else need a pain reliever one time in a while. If you have health question s or regularly use pain relievers, talk to your doctor before you prefer a pain reliever.

Acetaminophen and NSAIDs work for minor aches and pains, and for fever

Acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and aspirin work well for occasional headaches and other universal aches and pains. You should not give aspirin to children.

Ibuprofen is helpful for menstrual cramps and pain from inflammation (such as muscle sprains). If ibuprofen is not working for you, naproxen and ketoprofen might help.

What should I direct the eye for on the label? When choosing an OTC pain reliever, check the label for possible side weights or to see if the pain reliever might cause question s with other medicines you are taking. Always read and come [i]or[/i] go after [i]or[/i] behind the directions on the label carefully. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Who should not take acetaminophen?

Unles it is prescribed by dint of your doctor, you should not take acetaminophen if you:

* Have simple kidney or liver disease.

* Have three or more drinks containing alcohol (even beer or wine) a day.

Who should not take NSAIDs?

Unles they are prescribed through your doctor, you should not take NSAIDs, especially aspirin, if you:

* Are allergic to aspirin or other pain relievers.

* Take blood-thinning medicine or have a bleeding disorder.

* Have bleeding in the stomach or intestines, or peptic (stomach) ulcers

* Have liver or kidney disease.

* Have three or more drinks containing alcohol a day.

COPYRIGHT 2004 American Academy of Family Physicians

COPYRIGHT 2004 Gale Group