Date: 03 Jun 2024
Have you ever gone to a pharmacy or supermarket and the variety of pain relievers lined up on the shelves left you disarrayed, not knowing which is best for you? It can be a bit disorienting, to look for a pain reliever when you are presented with so many choices. If you are presented with 10 pain relievers all meant to help with your joint pain, which one will you choose and what will inform that decision? This is not a decision you can make by throwing a coin since you need to get the best medication that will take away your pain without leaving you with crazy side effects. If you have found yourself wondering how to choose the right over-the-counter pain reliever, this guide is for you. So what criteria do you use when choosing the right over-the-counter pain reliever?
Pain relievers are manufactured to relieve different types of pain, and you need to identify first what type of pain you are experiencing before reaching out for that over-the-counter pain reliever. Contrary to what most people believe, certain pain relievers are best for certain types of pain and not others. For instance, a particular pain reliever might do wonders for your menstrual cramps but do nothing for your muscle aches.
Once you have identified the kind of pain you are struggling with, you now need to understand various types of pain relievers to identify which is best for your pain. Different OTC pain relievers work differently and you need to understand this before you purchase one.
Acetaminophen is best for treating fever and mild to moderate pain. The most common brand that contains acetaminophen is Tylenol and Panadol. Acetaminophen does not have anti-inflammatory effects, making it not the best choice for conditions such as arthritis and muscle sprains. However, it is gentler on the stomach, meaning that you don’t have to worry about getting ulcers or any other gastrointestinal problems after ingesting acetaminophen.
Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) include ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), aspirin, and Aleve. NSAIDs are more effective for relieving pain associated with inflammation.
There are some OTC pain relievers you can take that might make a pre-existing health condition even worse and you need to consider this before purchasing that pain reliever. For instance, if you have been diagnosed with ulcers, taking pain acetaminophen can make this condition worse. If you have any kidney problems, it would be prudent to avoid NSAIDs since prolonged use of NSAIDs can either damage your kidneys or worsen a pre-existing kidney problem. If you are taking medication for another problem, you need to be careful with the OTC pain relievers you choose since some like NSAIDs can interfere with the medication you are already taking.
If you have any allergies, you need to ensure that the over-the-counter pain relievers you take do not make your allergies worse. For instance, if you are asthmatic, NSAIDs can trigger your symptoms, making them not the best kind of OTC pain relievers to choose.
If you are pregnant, there are certain medications you need to avoid for your health and that of your baby. NSAIDs are not advisable especially in the third trimester as they can lead to labor complications and even hinder the development of the fetus. Thus, if you are pregnant, the best OTC pain reliever to choose would be acetaminophen. Breastfeeding mothers should carefully choose the pain relievers to take since some medications might harm a nursing infant. While acetaminophen is considered safe, it is still crucial to talk to a healthcare professional if you are pregnant or breastfeeding as they can recommend the best medication and dosage to relieve your pain.
Acetaminophen is safe for all age groups as long as it is taken in the right dosages. However, NSAIDs are not considered safe for children and the elderly, and these two age groups should only take NSAIDs under strict medical supervision. Young children and teens should also not be given aspirin since it can cause Reye’s syndrome. While it is generally harmless to take acetaminophen for the elderly, they shouldn't take any over-the-counter pain relievers since they are more likely to develop some side effects.
Acetaminophen and NSAIDs are both effective for short-term pain relief. However, if the pain persists for long, it would be better to take acetaminophen since NSAIDs have lots of side effects when used for longer periods. If for instance, you are suffering from arthritis or lower back pain, you might need pain relievers for quite a long time, and this means that you need to be more cautious in the medication you take.
If you were wondering, can choose the right over-the-counter pain reliever to be fun, or does it only have to be all about ingredients and dosages? The answer is yes, you can get to choose the OTC medication based on your preference. Fun, right? If you have used a particular OTC pain reliever before and it proved to be effective, you can choose the same pain reliever for the next time you are experiencing the same type of pain. For instance, if a certain medication has proved effective for menstrual cramps, it is okay to choose the same medication again. You can also choose an over-the-counter pain reliever based on the form and administration. If you have a hard time chewing capsules or tablets, you can choose chewable or liquid medication. If a medication has proven to provide speedy relief as compared to others, you can choose the same medication whenever you are experiencing acute pain and need quick relief.
I hope the next time you go to a pharmacy or supermarket, you won’t close your eyes and reach out for the first packet that your fingers touch. You need a pain reliever that will cause quick relief without subjecting you to adverse side effects. If however, you are still uncertain about the right OTC medication for your condition, please consult a healthcare professional who will direct you to be best medication.