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Acetaminophen is in a category of its own and is not typically used for inflammation. Known by one of its brand names, Tylenol, it helps reduce fevers, relieve headaches and other minor pains, and soothe pain from arthritis. They block a hormone-like substance in your body that sends pain messages to your brain.
NSAIDs come in many different strengths and can be prescribed by a doctor or purchased over the counter. Prescription-strength NSAIDs, including ibuprofen, are often taken for chronic pain conditions like osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and lupus. As with NSAIDs, a doctor can prescribe acetaminophen at a higher strength to treat chronic arthritis or other serious pain. Both types of drugs can have serious side effects if taken incorrectly. Also, do not mix prescription pain medications with OTC pain medicine of any kind.
Doing so could cause harmful side effects. Taking acetaminophen may put you at risk for liver damage or disease. If an OTC medicine does not help your pain or fever, call your doctor. If you have been taking an OTC medicine for more than a couple of days for fever or a couple of weeks for pain, call your doctor. These may be signs that you have a more serious problem or that you need a prescription medicine.
All medicines can have side effects. However, side effects are usually not a problem for healthy people who only use pain relievers once in a while. Side effects can be a concern for people who regularly use pain relievers or have health problems.
If you have questions about side effects, talk to your doctor. Acetaminophen may be harmful in people who take very high doses or who frequently drink alcohol. With long-term use, aspirin and other NSAIDs may cause stomach upset, bleeding in the stomach and intestines, and ulcers. The following advice is for healthy adults who only need a pain reliever once in a while. If you have health problems or regularly use pain relievers, talk to your doctor before you choose a pain reliever.
Acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and aspirinwork well for occasional headaches and other common aches and pains. You should not give aspirin to children. Ibuprofen is helpful for menstrual cramps and pain from inflammation such as muscle sprains.
If ibuprofen is not working for you, naproxen and ketoprofen might help. When choosing an OTC pain reliever, check the label for possible side effects or to see if the pain reliever might cause problems with other medicines you are taking. Always read and follow the directions on the label carefully. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Already a member or subscriber? Log in. Interested in AAFP membership? Learn more. This handout is provided to you by your family doctor and the American Academy of Family Physicians.
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