What’s the difference between pain relievers?

Pain Relievers: Trying to Determine Which to Use Can be a Pain.

Acetaminophen. Ibuprofen. Naproxin. There are so many types of over-the-counter pain relievers these days, choosing between them could give a person quite a headache. Yet, knowing the difference between the different types of medications available is very important, because the way they work determines what you use them for.

Which pain remedies are better for headaches?

Which are better for muscle aches?

Which are better for certain types of headaches?

Which should not be taken by children?

And so on; these questions abound.

So, let’s talk about pain remedies for a minute. But before we begin, please note, the words here are for general informational purposes only, and should not be considered medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. Please consult a medical professional for detailed information and treatment.

There are two main types of pain relievers available:

1. Acetaminophen (brand name: Tylenol)
2. Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (also called NSAIDs)
   NSAIDs include the following medications:
   -  Aspirin (some brand names: Bayer, St. Joseph)
   -  Ibuprofen (some brand names: Advil, Motrin)
   -  Naproxen (brand name: Aleve)
3. Some products have both Acetaminophen and Aspirin
   (some brand names: Excedrin Extra Strength, Excedrin Migraine, Vanquish)

Acetaminophen and NSAIDs work in very different ways.

Acetaminophen relieves pain and reduces fever by working on the parts of the brain that receive and process pain messages and control the temperature of your body. NSAIDs reduce pain and fever by reducing the level of hormone-like substances, called prostaglandins that the body naturally makes. Prostaglandins are hormones involved in inflammation and pain. Like acetaminophen, NSAIDs also reduces fever, but does so by reducing prostaglandins.

According to the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), acetaminophen and NSAIDs, help reduce fever and relieve pain caused by headaches, muscle aches, and stiffness. NSAIDs have the additional benefit of reducing inflammation and swelling, whereas acetaminophen does not reduce inflammation. Acetaminophen and NSAIDs can be helpful in treating many kinds of pain including pain from arthritis, earaches, pain after surgery, back pain, pain from the flu or a cold, sinus infection, and a sore throat.

Relieving Headaches and Other Common Aches & Pains

The AAFP states that acetaminophen is a good choice for relieving headaches and other common aches and pains. Medline Plus also reports that acetaminophen is much easier on the stomach than NSAIDs and is safer for children to take. However, and this is really important, it can be extremely harmful to your liver if you exceed the recommended dosage. People who overdose on acetaminophen can get liver failure requiring life support and liver transplantation and can possibly die as a result of the overdose — only take acetaminophen as directed. More information about the dangers of over-the-counter pain relievers can be found here.

Dealing with Swelling for Twists, Sprains & Pulled Muscles

In terms of dealing with swelling for twists, sprains, and a pulled muscle, the AAFP and Medline Plus both recommend NSAIDs as they actually reduce inflammation and relieve pain at the same time. NSAIDs also can work well for relieving menstrual cramps. However, NSAIDs may have side effects and the risk of these can increase the longer you take the medication. These include upset stomach, increased bruising or bleeding, stomach ulcers (which can bleed), kidney damage (when taken regularly over time), and increased blood pressure. Also, aspirin should never be given to children under the age of 18 who have the flu or chicken pox because they can develop a serious medical condition called Reye’s syndrome.

Who Shouldn't Take NSAIDs?

The AAFP reports that certain people shouldn’t take NSAIDs — if you are allergic to aspirin, have three or more alcoholic drinks per day, have a history of stomach ulcers or bleeding from the stomach/intestines, have liver or kidney disease, have heart disease, and have a bleeding disorder or take blood thinners. People who have liver or kidney disease, have three or more alcoholic drinks per day, or are already taking another medication containing acetaminophen should not take acetaminophen.

For most people, over-the-counter pain relievers are sufficient to relieve their aches, pains, and fevers.

If one of the above types of medication does not help your pain or fever, it’s very important that you contact your physician or medical professional, as it may be a sign that something more serious is going on, or you may need a prescription-strength medication.

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BLOG Date: Saturday, April 26, 2014

Writer: Ryan Allen