Your head is pounding, your tooth aches or you are sporting a 101 degree fever. Which pain killer/fever reducer should you take? Well, that all depends. Here is some information to help you choose.
When it comes to over the counter pain medication, there are four basic choices to choose from: Aspirin (Bayer), Ibuprofen (Advil), Naproxen (Aleve) and Acetaminophen (Tylenol).
Out of these four, three of them fall under the type NSAID (nonsteroidal anti-inflamatory drug). These are aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen. Acetaminophren is by itself because it doesn’t treat swelling.
In general, acetaminophren can be gentler on your stomach, so if you have a sensitive stomach and just want to reduce general pain or fever, it might be your best bet. Also, most obstetricians would recommend acetaminophren if you are pregnant, although only at the low “regular strength” dose.
With acetaminophren comes the risk of liver damage when taken in high doses. Read all warning labels and dosage instructions.
Since NSAIDs reduce swelling, they can be very effective for achy and swollen joins, or wherever swelling may be contributing to pain. They are often considered more effective for both pain and fever than acetaminiphren.
NSAIDs can be harsh on your stomach and can carry the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding, especially when consumed with alcohol (more than three beverages a day). Some NSAIDs, with the exception of aspirin, can increase your risk for a heart attack. Aspirin, should never be given to a child or teen, because of the risk of a potentially fatal complication–Reys Syndrome.
Out of the three different NSAIDs, studies have shown that ibuprofen lowers fevers best and naproxen lasts the longest (up to 12 hours).
NSAIDs should be avoided if you take diuretics, blood thinners, antacids, and other drugs. All pain killers should be avoided before surgery, unless your doctor gives the okay.