Medihub - Medical Information - Pharmacy - Over-the-counter painkillers

People often find themselves reaching for the painkillers whenever they feel a cramp, bruise, stiff neck or headache. With so many choices of painkillers and pain relievers all proclaiming multiple indications, it may be difficult to know which is the right one for the pain you are having. Here are several things to note when you are deciding on the type of OTC painkiller to take:

1. Sore muscles, sunburns and/or arthritis: A nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) like ibuprofen, aspirin or naproxen works better than acetaminophen/paracetamol as they block production of prostaglandins, chemicals responsible for swelling that underlies these conditions.

2. Children: Ibuprofen is found to be the most effective pain reliever for children according to a canadian study¹ which concluded that ibuprofen relieved pain better than paracetamol or codeine in children with broken bones and/or sprains. Children should never take aspirin as it can potentially cause a rare but fatal brain damage in children with chicken pox or the flu.

3. Dosage and drug interactions: Be cautious about possible drug interactions with other medications. Following the dosage recommendations does not guarantee against overdosing. If you are taking a painkiller with a sinus or cough medications that usually contains acetaminophen/paracetamol or other NSAIDs, you could be doubling your dose.

4. Chronic use: Long-term use of painkillers can increase risk factors for heart attacks and strokes, especially for patients with risk factors. Frequent use of acetaminophen/paracetamol and NSAIDs can raise blood pressure, although for some patients, benefits may still outweigh the risks.

5. Caffeine: Painkillers that contain caffeine can be especially effective against headaches and migraines. Although, for some people, it could be an aggravating factor instead. It is thus, necessary to monitor symptoms carefully.

References:

1. Ibuprofen was more effective than codeine or acetaminophen for musculoskeletal pain in children.
Ali S, Klassen TP
Evid Based Med. 2007 Oct;12(5):144