Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers and Fever Reducers

Acetaminophen

Brand names: Tylenol and others

Uses

Acetaminophen is one of the most recommended OTC pain relievers and fever reducers available. It's used for:

• Colds
• Headache
• Muscle aches
• Arthritis
• Backache
• Toothaches

If you are using acetaminophen, be careful not to take more than indicated on the label or by your healthcare provider. It is one of the most commonly overdosed medicines. And it can cause liver damage if you take too much or you have certain diseases.

Acetaminophen is often added to multi-symptom cold and flu remedies as well as some prescription medications. That's why you must be especially careful when taking these in addition to acetaminophen.

If you're not careful, you may reach an overdose level accidentally. Such multi-symptom products should not be given to children under 6 years of age in any case.

Contraindications

The American Academy of Pediatrics states that acetaminophen should not be used for an infant under 12 weeks of age unless directed by your healthcare provider. Call your child's healthcare provider for any fever in a newborn or young infant.

Acetaminophen is considered the best pain reliever for those who are pregnant or breastfeeding, but it still should be used carefully. Talk to your healthcare provider before taking it if you fall into either of those categories.

Do not use acetaminophen if you have three or more alcoholic drinks each day. If you plan to drink one or two alcoholic drinks each day while taking acetaminophen, discuss this with your healthcare provider or pharmacist first.

Ibuprofen

Brand names: Advil, Motrin, and others

Uses

Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It helps reduce swelling and pain, but it is not a steroid. Ibuprofen is great for sore muscles, sore throat, and can also be very effective at bringing down fevers. Any of these may be symptoms of the common cold or flu.

Even if you don't have a fever, taking ibuprofen may bring you some relief from the pain caused by your illness.

Contraindications

Some people shouldn't take ibuprofen. This includes those who have ever had an allergic reaction to a pain reliever or fever reducer.

As an NSAID, ibuprofen may raise the risk of heart attack or stroke in those who have risk factors. These risk factors include people who:

• Have a history of heart disease
• Are smokers
• Have high cholesterol
• Have high blood pressure
• Have diabetes

Do not take ibuprofen:

• Before or after heart surgery
• Before other surgical procedures

Ibuprofen can lead to ulcers or bleeding in the digestive tract. It may also cause side effects such as constipation, diarrhea, gas, dizziness, or ringing in the ears. If you are pregnant, discuss ibuprofen with your healthcare provider before taking it.

Naproxen

Brand names: Aleve and others

Uses

Naproxen is recommended for pain relief, fever reduction, and reducing inflammation. As an anti-inflammatory, it may also help relieve back pain. It can also relieve pain associated with an arthritis-related spine condition such as ankylosing spondylitis and osteoarthritis. Some people may also use it to soothe menstrual cramps.

Like other NSAIDs, naproxen works by blocking the formation of chemicals in the body known as prostaglandins. As a result, it relieves pain. Although naproxen works differently than ibuprofen, it ultimately has the same effect.

Contraindications

You should not take naproxen if you have a history of:

• Heart disease
• Stroke
• Gastrointestinal problems
• Liver problems

Talk to your healthcare provider before giving naproxen to a child under 12 years old. The healthcare provider can help you find the appropriate dosage.

You should also talk to your healthcare provider before taking naproxen if you are 65 or older. A smaller dosage may be recommended. The lower dosage will still be effective, and it is less likely to cause serious side effects in older people.

Aspirin

Brand names: Bayer, Ecotrin, and others

Uses

Classified as a salicylate NSAID, aspirin relieves pain, fever, inflammation, and swelling. But it also reduces the blood's ability to clot. Doctors often prescribe aspirin to treat symptoms associated with:

• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Osteoarthritis
• Lupus
• Other rheumatic conditions

Many people take low doses of aspirin to prevent heart attacks and stroke.

Contraindications

Talk to your doctor before taking aspirin if you have asthma or you drink three or more alcoholic beverages a day. Aspirin prevents blood from clotting, so do not take it with blood thinners, also known as anticoagulants. You should not take it with ibuprofen either.

Additionally, do not give aspirin or a product containing aspirin or salicylates to a child or teenager under age 19. You should not give them aspirin especially when they have a viral illness, including influenza.

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you should not take aspirin. Talk to your healthcare provider if you become pregnant while taking aspirin so that you receive proper monitoring.