How to Choose an Over-The-Counter Pain Reliever

Close-up view of a hand holding two white pills in the palm above a blurry background — Photo Courtesy: Adobe Images

When a headache strikes or stray aches and pains arise, most people turn to an over-the-counter pain reliever. What most people don’t realize, however, is that not all OTC pain relievers are the same. With all the options you may find at your drugstore or supermarket, knowing which type of pain reliever can help you best can be tough.

Two main types of OTC pain relievers exist: non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and analgesics (acetaminophen). NSAIDs help reduce inflammation and lower fevers. Another benefit they offer is that they can prevent blood clots. Analgesics are specifically crafted to relieve pain. They also work in the brain's heat center (hypothalamus) to relieve fever.

In some cases, either option can offer relief from the pain and discomfort that you are experiencing. But in some instances, one option may be better than the other. Learn how to choose the right OTC pain reliever for your symptoms.

Consider Your Pain Before Choosing

Different types of pain can require different kinds of OTC pain relievers, so before you reach for a bottle, take a minute to think about what you are feeling.

NSAIDs are excellent at treating:

Fever
Menstrual cramps
Muscle aches and pains
Inflammation

Your body makes a hormone-like substance called prostaglandin, which irritates your nerve endings and causes pain. NSAIDs reduce the levels of prostaglandins, helping to relieve your pain. The most common NSAIDs are aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen.

Acetaminophen works well on the parts of the brain that receive pain messages. It can help with the following:

Headaches
Fevers
Arthritis
Aches and pains

Acetaminophen doesn’t reduce inflammation as NSAIDs do.

How Healthy Are You? Do You Have Medical Conditions?

If you live with kidney or liver disease, an acetaminophen option is not the right choice. It can deplete glutathione levels, an antioxidant that helps protect your cells from free radicals. It can also affect people with asthma, potentially causing an asthma attack if taken at high doses.

NSAIDs can worsen kidney damage and can even increase the risk of a heart attack. If you have heart conditions or have family members with a history of it, always consult your doctor before taking NSAIDs.

NSAIDs can also cause an upset stomach, so they may not be the best choice for people predisposed to experiencing nausea.

Other Factors To Consider When Choosing an OTC Pain Reliever

Another factor you want to consider is your age. Neither children nor teens, for example, should take acetaminophen because it can affect the brain, kidneys, and liver. They should stick with NSAIDs.

Older adults can also have issues when taking OTC pain relievers. Older adults should stick with acetaminophen for everyday use as long as they don’t exceed the recommended daily dose.

For adults between 20 and 50 years of age who are in good overall health, either option can work. As always, you may want to reach out to your doctor to know for sure.

Furthermore, Neither NSAIDs nor acetaminophen options work well with alcohol, but if you are planning on having one drink, choose NSAIDs. Acetaminophen and alcohol can cause stomach irritation and other side effects.

Always Read the Label

Most people don’t take the time to read the label on the pills they purchase over the counter, but a lot of crucial information is printed there. Not only do you get an idea of the right dosage for your age and weight, but it will tell you who can and cannot take the medication.

The label will also clearly state the ingredients, which is essential if you have allergies to medications.

The label also states whether medications can interfere with the OTC pain reliever. If you’re currently taking other drugs, it’s important to double-check for potential drug interactions.

If you have questions about the label, you can always contact a pharmacist before purchasing.

Know When To Ask For Help

OTC medications may not always provide the relief you need. If you experience a sudden increase in pain or a change in the type of pain (such as dull to sharp), you should turn to medical experts for help.

You should also seek help if you find it hard to get through the day because of the pain or if you notice reduced mobility in the affected areas.

When choosing the OTC pain reliever you need, take your time and consider all of the factors that can affect whether it will be as effective as you want it to be. It is always a good option to ask your doctor for a recommendation because they will know what your current overall health levels are.

By reading the label and doing some research, you can find the pain reliever you can depend on.