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Paracetamol, ibuprofen or aspirin - which is best? We review the evidence behind everyday painkillers to reveal which are most effective for treating different ailments, from muscle and joint pain to flu and headaches.
- Painkillers Advice Guides
Painkillers compared: we review the evidence behind which...
- Painkillers Advice Guides
Paracetamol, aspirin and ibuprofen can all ease mild-to-moderate pain. But they work in different ways. Aspirin and ibuprofen work well on pain that’s caused by inflammation. But there are some circumstances when you shouldn’t take them. Paracetamol relieves pain but doesn’t reduce inflammation.
- Yes, you can take paracetamol and ibuprofen together if either medicine on its own isn't controlling your pain. With children, you can alternate pa...
- Although paracetamol is a safe medicine if you take it correctly, it can cause serious health problems if you take too much. It can damage your liv...
- Paracetamol tends to have fewer side-effects than other over-the-counter painkillers. Ibuprofen and aspirin can cause stomach problems. Paracetamol...
- Codeine is a weak opioid painkiller. It can be added to other painkillers such as paracetamol to help relieve pain. It can be worth trying if parac...
- Overview
- What are the categories of NSAIDs?
- List of NSAIDs
- Side effects of NSAIDs
- Drug interactions
- Summary
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) help reduce pain and inflammation. A list of NSAIDs can include both over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription-strength medication.
Though there are a variety of different NSAIDs available, two more common examples include ibuprofen and aspirin.
A doctor may recommend the use of NSAIDs to treat:
•pain
•inflammation
•fever
NSAIDs come in several different forms based on their chemical structure and selectivity. They include:
•acetylated salicylates (aspirin)
•non-acetylated salicylates (diflunisal, salsalate)
•anthranilic acids (meclofenamate and mefenamic acid)
•propionic acids (naproxen and ibuprofen)
•enolic acids (meloxicam and piroxicam)
Prescription-only
A doctor has several options to choose from when it comes to prescription NSAIDs. Except for celecoxib, they are all non-selective forms of NSAIDs. Though they may share similar strengths, dosing, and potential side effects, a person should follow all instructions from a doctor or pharmacist when taking the medications and not assume that if they switch medications, the dosing will be the same. Prescription-only NSAIDs include: •diclofenac •diflunisal •etodolac •fenoprofen •flurbiprofen •indomethacin •ketoprofen •ketorolac •mefenamic acid •meloxicam •nabumetone •oxaprozin •piroxicam •sulindac
Available OTC and prescription
Some NSAIDs come in both OTC and prescription forms. Examples of NSAIDs that come in both forms include: •ibuprofen •naproxen A person can typically find both OTC ibuprofen and naproxen in brand name and generic forms. Many pharmacies carry a “store brand” that is generally lower cost than brand name options. Two well-known brand-name carriers of ibuprofen include Advil and Motrin. Aleve is a well-known type of naproxen. The typical dose for OTC ibuprofen is 400 milligrams (mg) taken every 4 to 6 hours. Naproxen comes in several doses, including 250 mg, 375 mg, and 500 mg. A typical dosage is one to two 220 mg tablets every 8 to 12 hours. The exact dose and how frequently a person should take these medications can vary based on the formula (quick-release or extended-release) and the underlying condition a person or doctor is trying to treat. A person should follow a doctor or pharmacist’s instructions for when and how to take the medications. People should follow the package’s instructions when taking OTC NSAIDs and not exceed the maximum daily dose.
Available OTC
Currently, aspirin is available only in OTC form, though naproxen and ibuprofen have OTC formulas and prescription forms. Like other forms of NSAID, aspirin comes in several different formulas and doses, such as slow-release 81 mg tablets or regular strength tablets. Regular-strength aspirin often comes in 325 mg tablets. A person typically takes 1 or 2 tablets every 4 hours. A person should always follow the instructions on the package when taking aspirin.
Experts often warn that NSAIDs can potentially cause serious side effects. Healthcare professionals should consider several factors when recommending or prescribing NSAIDs, such as current medications a person is taking, the possibility of side effects, and underlying health conditions a person has.
Some possible side effects of NSAIDs include:
•stomach pain
•diarrhea or constipation
•nausea and vomiting
•tinnitus
NSAIDs can interact negatively with other medications. Drug interactions can cause medications to work differently by increasing or reducing their effects.
Some medications NSAIDs can interact with include:
•warfarin
•lithium
•high dose methotrexate
•oral hypoglycemics
NSAIDs help control pain, inflammation, and fever. A person may use them to treat occasional aches and pains or treat health conditions, such as arthritis.
NSAIDs come in both prescription and OTC strengths. They also come in different formulas that can affect how quickly they work, how long they work, and their dosage. A person should follow all package, doctor, or pharmacist recommendations when taking the medications.
Mechanism of Opioids. Types of Painkillers. How to Choose a Painkiller. 10 Best Painkillers. Comments. More. Many people suffer from everyday pain, and they turn to opioid drugs for comfort. The most powerful pain reliever is a class of medications known as “opioids,” which have a significant risk of addiction and dependency.
The main alternative for pain relief is paracetamol, which is available over the counter and is safe for most people to take. NSAID creams and gels that you rub into your skin may be worth trying first if you have muscle or joint pain in a particular part of your body, as they tend to have fewer side effects than tablets or capsules.
Dec 14, 2015 · And different painkillers - paracetamol, ibuprofen and aspirin, for example - can work better for different types of pain. Which pain? Paracetamol is good for headaches and toothache.
People also ask
Which painkillers work best for different types of pain?
What is a good alternative to NSAIDs for pain relief?
What drugs should I take if I have pain?
How do opiate painkillers work?
How do painkillers work?
What is the most powerful pain reliever?
Pain relief. The non-opioid drugs, paracetamol and aspirin (and other NSAIDs), are particularly suitable for pain in musculoskeletal conditions, whereas the opioid analgesics are more suitable for moderate to severe pain, particularly of visceral origin.
