The best over-the-counter (OTC) pain reliever choice typically depends on what symptoms you are treating and whether there are any contraindications. Aleve (naproxen), for example, is the strongest available OTC non-steroidal anti-inflammatory pain reliever. However, there is an increased risk of gastrointestinal side effects with naproxen, so it may not be appropriate for some individuals.
The active ingredient in OTC pain medications and fever reducers varies. Which medication is appropriate depends on the condition you are treating, the type of pain you are experiencing, your medical history, and if you are trying to reduce a fever.
Active Ingredient in Common OTC Pain RelieversPopular MedicationAcetaminophenIbuprofenNaproxenAspirinAdvil√Aleve√Bayer√Ecotrin√Motrin√Tylenol√
Acetaminophen
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Brand names:Tylenoland others
Acetaminophen Uses
Acetaminophen is often added to multi-symptom cold and flu remedies and some prescription medications.That’s why you must be especially careful when taking these types of medicines in addition to acetaminophen.
Contraindications
Acetaminophen is considered the best pain reliever for those who are pregnant or breastfeeding, but it still should be used carefully. Talk to your healthcare provider before taking it if you fall into either of those categories.
Do not use acetaminophen if you have three or more alcoholic drinks each day.If you plan to drink one or two alcoholic drinks each day while taking acetaminophen, discuss this with your healthcare provider or pharmacist first.
Ibuprofen
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Brand names:Advil, Motrin, and others
Ibuprofen Uses
Because ibuprofen reduces inflammation, it is better than Tylenol at treating inflammatory pain. It is often the first choice for treating menstrual pain and sore muscles. It is also used to treat:
Some people shouldn’t take ibuprofen or should contact their healthcare provider before use. As an NSAID, ibuprofen may raise the risk ofheart attackorstrokein those who have risk factors. These risk factors include people who:
Unless instructed otherwise, do not take ibuprofen:
Ibuprofen can lead to ulcers or bleeding in the digestive tract. It may also cause side effects such as:
If you are pregnant, discuss ibuprofen with your healthcare provider before taking it. NSAIDs are typically only considered during the second trimester and for a short duration.Your healthcare provider may recommend alternative pain relief options.
Naproxen
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Brand names:Aleveand others
Naproxen Uses
Naproxen is the strongest available OTC pain reliever. It is often the first choice for treating moderate pain due to injury and pain related to conditions such asankylosing spondylitisandosteoarthritis.
Naproxen is also used for:
Naproxen can increase the risk of serious conditions such as a heart attack or stroke. Reach out to your healthcare provider before use if you have one of the following conditions:
Typically, you shouldn’t take naproxen if you are pregnant, especially during the last trimester.Talk to your healthcare provider if you’re not sure about the safety of taking naproxen, given your medical condition.
Additionally, talk to your healthcare provider before givingnaproxento a child under 12 years old. They can help you find the appropriate dosage.
You should also talk to your healthcare provider before taking naproxen if you are 65 or older. A smaller dosage may be recommended. The lower dosage can still be effective, and it is less likely to cause serious side effects in older people.
AspirinTetra Images / Getty ImagesBrand names:Bayer, Ecotrin, and othersAspirin UsesClassified as a salicylate NSAID, aspirin relieves pain, fever, inflammation, and swelling. Healthcare providers often prescribe aspirin to treat symptoms associated with:Rheumatoid arthritisOsteoarthritisLupusOtherrheumatic conditionsMany people take low doses of aspirin to preventheart attacksand strokes.ContraindicationsTalk to your healthcare provider before taking aspirin if you have asthma or drink three or more alcoholic beverages a day. Aspirin prevents blood from clotting, so do not take it with blood thinners, also known as anticoagulants. Several medications can interact with aspirin.Also, talk with your healthcare provider if you are taking other NSAIDs such as ibuprofen or naproxen sodium. Your provider may need to change your aspirin dose or alter the doses of your medications.Additionally, do not give aspirin to a child or teenager under 19, especially when they have a viral illness such as influenza.Children and teens who take aspirin may experience a potentially fatal complication known asReye’s syndrome. This serious medical condition causes swelling in the brain, liver, and other organs.If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, speak with your healthcare provider before taking aspirin. Small doses of aspirin (81 milligrams) are sometimes prescribed for specific conditions during pregnancy.
Aspirin
Tetra Images / Getty Images
Brand names:Bayer, Ecotrin, and others
Aspirin Uses
Classified as a salicylate NSAID, aspirin relieves pain, fever, inflammation, and swelling. Healthcare providers often prescribe aspirin to treat symptoms associated with:
Many people take low doses of aspirin to preventheart attacksand strokes.
Talk to your healthcare provider before taking aspirin if you have asthma or drink three or more alcoholic beverages a day. Aspirin prevents blood from clotting, so do not take it with blood thinners, also known as anticoagulants. Several medications can interact with aspirin.
Also, talk with your healthcare provider if you are taking other NSAIDs such as ibuprofen or naproxen sodium. Your provider may need to change your aspirin dose or alter the doses of your medications.
Additionally, do not give aspirin to a child or teenager under 19, especially when they have a viral illness such as influenza.
Children and teens who take aspirin may experience a potentially fatal complication known asReye’s syndrome. This serious medical condition causes swelling in the brain, liver, and other organs.
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, speak with your healthcare provider before taking aspirin. Small doses of aspirin (81 milligrams) are sometimes prescribed for specific conditions during pregnancy.
Topical Pain Relievers
Brand names:Icy Hot and Voltaren gel
Topical Pain Reliever Uses
Several topical pain relievers exist. Two common OTC topical pain relievers arelidocaine patchesanddiclofenaclotion.
Diclofenac:This medication is a topical NSAID. Diclofenac patches can reduce pain from bruises, strains, and sprains.Creams and gels are often used to treat pain fromosteoarthritis.There are both OTC and prescription-only versions of diclofenac topicals.
Be sure to tell your healthcare provider about any medications you are taking before beginning lidocaine or diclofenac topicals.
Lidocaine:It is often recommended to avoid taking lidocaine with acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol) due to an increased risk of a rare blood disorder calledmethemoglobinemia.
Other medications can interact with lidocaine, particularly medications for heart arrhythmias.Be sure to discuss any medications and supplements you take with your healthcare provider prior to beginning lidocaine patches.
Diclofenac:This medication is an NSAID, and it is generally not recommended to combine a topical NSAID with an oral NSAID. There is an increased risk of heart attack and stroke with diclofenac.
With both medications, if you are pregnant, nursing, pumping, or planning to become pregnant, discuss with your healthcare provider if these medications are safe to use.
SummaryThere are various kinds of OTC medications that can treat pain and fever. Not all of them are safe to use if you have certain medical conditions. They may also be unsafe if you take other medications that can interact with them.Always follow the directions on the medicine label to make sure you can take it safely. Ask your healthcare provider which is the best choice if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, have medical conditions, take other medications, or if you’re giving the medication to a child.
Summary
There are various kinds of OTC medications that can treat pain and fever. Not all of them are safe to use if you have certain medical conditions. They may also be unsafe if you take other medications that can interact with them.
Always follow the directions on the medicine label to make sure you can take it safely. Ask your healthcare provider which is the best choice if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, have medical conditions, take other medications, or if you’re giving the medication to a child.
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