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Several over-the-counter medications are available to help you control your pain. Two of the simplest non-narcotic pain relievers are the acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) and acetaminophen (found in Tylenol, Datril, and many other products). Both of these medications can help relieve mild to moderate pain. Aspirin can also reduce swelling and inflammation. If you take aspirin for pain relief, you should also take supplements of vitamin C, as this nutrient has been shown to make the effects of the analgesic last longer.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, another type of non-narcotic analgesic, may also be helpful in the relief of aches and pains. These products include ibuprofen (Advil, Nuprin, and others), ketoprofen (Orudis), and naproxen sodium (Aleve).
Although over-the-counter analgesics are generally regarded as safe, discretion should be exercised in their use.
ACETAMINOPHEN
Brand Names: Anacin-3 Maximum Strength, Tylenol, Tylenol Caplet, Tylenol Caplet Extra Strength, Tylenol Child, Tylenol Extended Release, Tylenol Extra Strength, Tylenol Gelcap Extra Strength, Tylenol Suspension, Datril. Acetaminophen is found as an ingredient in many other products besides those listed here. Be sure to read labels on any medication carefully before using.
If you take acetaminophen, be sure to avoid the consumption of alcohol, as this can both decrease the effectiveness of the drug and cause damage to the liver. Do not take acetaminophen unless you discuss it with your health care provider if you drink more than 3 alcoholic beverages a day, if you have alcoholic liver disease or have a kidney or any other type of liver disease. If you are pregnant, discuss it with your midwife or health care provider before taking. It is unlikely that it will harm the unborn baby, but it is better to be safe than sorry later. Acetaminophen passes into breast milk, but it appears safe for use during breastfeeding, but should be avoided if possible. Discuss it with your midwife or health care provider if you are breastfeeding your baby.
If you are taking any other types of over-the-counter medications or prescription medications, discuss with your health care provider or pharmacist about drug interactions. For more information, be sure to read the link supplied below (including side effects).
Web MD Drug Database: Acetaminophen, Oral
ACETYLSALICYLIC ACID (ASPIRIN)
Brand Names: Acuprin 81, Bayer Aspirin, Bufferin, Easprin, Ecotrin, Emprin, Halfprin, Norwich Aspirin, St. Joseph Aspirin, Zorprin. Aspirin is found as an ingredient in many other products besides those listed here. Be sure to read labels on any medication carefully before using.
If you take aspirin, be aware that it may affect the stomach. Do not drink alcohol or limit alcohol consumption while taking aspirin. Aspirin is also used as a blood thinner to treat or prevent heart attacks, transient ischemic attacks (TIAs or mini-strokes), strokes and angina in certain people. If you are pregnant, do not take aspirin without first consulting with your midwife or health care provider. Aspirin may have effect on an unborn baby's heart, reduce birth weight, and have other dangerous effects on the unborn baby. Aspirin may also make the birthing mother more prone to hemorrhage during childbirth. Aspirin is also passed into the breastmilk and may harm a nursing infant. Do not take without first talking to your health care provider if you are breastfeeding. You should consult with your health care provider before taking aspirin if you have an allergy to aspirin or other non-steroidal anti- inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs); if you drink more than 3 alcoholic beverages a day; have an ulcer or bleeding in your stomach; have liver disease or kidney disease; have blood clotting (coagulation) disorders, such as hemophilia; congestive heart failure; fluid retention; heart disease; high blood pressure; gout; asthma; or nasal polyps. You should never take aspirin with any other blood thinning medication. More important, you should never give aspirin to a child, especially a child with a cold or flulike symptoms. Regardless of the pain reliever being used, you should never take more than the dosage directed on the label without first consulting with your health care provider. Virtually any medication can cause problems when used inappropriately. If you are taking any other types of over-the-counter medications or prescription medications, discuss with your health care provider or pharmacist about drug interactions. For more information, be sure to read the link supplied below (including side effects).
IBUPROFEN
Brand Names: Advil, Genpril, Haltran, Ibu, Ibu-Tab, Midol IB, Motrin, Nuprin, Pediacare Fever, Rufen, Saleto-200, Saleto-400, Saleto-600, Saleto-800. Ibuprofen is found as an ingredient in many other products besides those listed here. Be sure to read labels on any medication carefully before using.
Ibuprofen should be taken with food, milk, or an antacid to lessen stomach upset. Ibuprofen may cause gastrointestinal damage, so watch for any blood that may appear in stools or in vomit. If you drink alcoholic beverages, ibuprofen may increase the risk of stomach bleeding. Ibuprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAIDs) and is often used to reduce fever, pain, stiffness and inflammation caused by many conditions such as arthritis, and menstrual cramping. You should consult with your health care provider if you have an allergy to aspirin or any other NSAIDs; an ulcer or bleeding in the stomach; drink more than 3 alcoholic beverages a day; have liver or kidney disease; have a bleeding or clotting disorder (coagulation), such as hemophilia; have congestive heart failure; fluid retention; heart disease; or high blood pressure. If you are pregnant, consult with your midwife or health care provider before taking ibuprofen. It is not known if ibuprofen will harm the unborn baby, but it should not be taken during the last trimester because it may affect the baby's heart. Ibuprofen passes into breast milk in very small amounts, but it is not expected to harm a breastfeeding baby. But it is wise to discuss with your midwife or health care provider before you taking Ibuprofen while breastfeeding. For more information, be sure to read the link supplied below (including side effects).
KETOPROFEN
Brand Names: Actron, Orudis, Orudis KT, Oruvail.
Ketoprofen should be taken with food, milk, or antacid to lessen stomach upset and you should remain upright for 15-30 minutes to prevent irritation to your throat or esophagus. Ketoprofen may cause damage to your gastrointestinal tract and you should watch for any signs of blood in your stools or vomit. Consumption of alcoholic beverages may increase the risk of stomach bleeding.
Ketoprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAIDs) and may be used to treat inflammation, pain, and stiffness caused by arthritis and menstrual cramps. You should consult with your health care provider before taking this medication if you have an allergy to aspirin or any other NSAIDs; if you have an ulcer or bleeding in your stomach; consume more than 3 alcoholic beverages a day; have liver or kidney disease; congestive heart failure; fluid retention; heart disease; or high blood pressure. If you are pregnant, consult with your midwife or health care provider before taking ketoprofen. It is not known if ketoprofen will harm the unborn baby, but it should not be taken during the last trimester because it may affect the baby's heart. It is not known if ketoprofen passes into breast milk so do not take it without discussing it with your midwife or health care provider you are while breastfeeding. For more information, be sure to read the link supplied below (including side effects).
NAPROXEN
Brand Names: Aleve, Aleve Caplet, Anaprox, Anaprox-DS, EC Naprosyn, Naprelan, Naprosyn.
Naproxen should be taken with food, milk, or an antacid to lessen stomach upset. Naproxen may damage your gastrointestinal tract, so watch for bleeding in your stools or vomit. If you consume alcoholic beverages, Naproxen may increase the risk of stomach bleeding. Naproxen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug that is used to reduce pain, stiffness, and inflammation in the body caused by many conditions, such as arthritis, menstrual cramps, gout, tendinitis, bursitis, and ankylosing spondylitis. You should consult with your health care provider before taking Naproxen if you have any allergies to NSAIDs; an ulcer or bleeding in your stomach, if you consume more than 3 alcoholic beverages a day, if you have liver or kidney disease; a bleeding disorder (coagulation), such as hemophilia; fluid retention; heart disease; or high blood pressure. If you are pregnant, consult with your midwife or health care provider before taking naproxen. It is not known if naproxen will harm the unborn baby, but it should not be taken during the last trimester because it may affect the baby's heart. Naproxen passes into breast milk and may harm a nursing infant, so do not take it without discussing it with your midwife or health care provider you are while breastfeeding. For more information, be sure to read the link supplied below (including side effects).
RELATED LINKS
DRUG DATABASE INDEX
ACETAMINOPHEN
ACETYLSALICYLIC ACID (ASPIRIN)
IBUPROFEN
KETOPROFEN
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NAPROXEN (NAPROXIN)
MOONDRAGON'S PAIN CONTROL LINKS
MoonDragon's Health Therapy: Pain Control
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