Tag Archives: painkiller

Pain Medicine: Ibuprofen

Ibuprofen is another over-the-counter painkiller that can be classified as a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAIDs). It has been used for pain relief, fever, and inflammation since the 1970s — the FDA approved ibuprofen in 1974. You may know ibuprofen as: Advil, Medipren, Motrin, Nuprin, and more. How it works: ibuprofen helps block the enzyme in the body that makes the chemicals (prostaglandins) that cause pain, fever, and inflammation. By blocking the enzyme that makes the prostaglandins, swelling, pain, and fever are reduced. Ibuprofen is available in a variety of forms, including liquid suspension, oral drops, and chewable tablets (for children … Continue reading →

Pain Medicine: Acetaminophen

As an alternative to aspirin, acetaminophen has been around a long time! The FDA approved acetaminophen in 1951. This medicine is both analgesic (pain reliever) and antipyretic (fever reducer). You may know acetaminophen as: Tylenol and others — more than 200 medications include acetaminophen. How does it work? Acetaminophen relieves pain by elevating the pain threshold — in other words, it takes more pain for you to feel the discomfort. Acetaminophen reduces fever by telling the heat regulating part of the brain to cool things down when the body’s temperature is above normal. Acetaminophen is available in many different forms, … Continue reading →

Pain Medicine: Naproxen

There are plenty of choices at the pharmacy when you need a painkiller. One option is naproxen, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug used for managing pain, fever, and inflammation. You may know naproxen as: Aleve, Anaprox, Naprelan, or Naprosyn. How does it work? Naproxen helps reduce the levels of certain chemicals that cause pain, fever, and inflammation in your body. These chemicals are called prostaglandins. Naproxen works by blocking the enzyme that manufactures prostaglandins, which helps relieve swelling, pain, and fever. Naproxen is available both over the counter and in stronger doses prescribed by your doctor. The usual adult dose falls … Continue reading →