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Pain Relief Quick Reference Guide

Reaching for the pain reliever that's right for you can be difficult-with so many packages and advertisements, how do you know which will treat your symptoms best?  There are actually only five different types of over-the-counter pain relievers to choose from.  To compare them, read the information below.  Once you know which pain reliever you need, choose a generic version to save money.

ASPIRIN:  Brand names: Bayer, Bufferin
PROS: Good for relieving mild to moderate pain (headaches, sore throat, sore muscles, menstrual cramps, arthritis) and reducing fever.
CONS: May irritate stomach.  Should not be given to children or teenagers because of the risk of Reye's syndrome.  May be harmful for the following: a woman and her developing, fetus in the last trimester of-pregnancy; anyone with ulcers, asthma, uncontrolled high blood pressure, liver or kidney disease or bleeding disorders and anyone taking an anticoagulant.

ACETAMINOPHEN:  Brandnames: Feverall, Tempra, Tylenol
PROS: As effective as aspirin for mild to moderate pain and for fever.  Gentler on the stomach than aspirin.  Recommended for children underage 16 when used as directed.
CONS: Not effective against inflammation, such as arthritis.  Not as effective as aspirin for soft-tissue injuries, such as muscle sprains and strains.  May be harmful for people with liver or kidney disease and those who drink alcohol heavily.

IBUPROFEN: Brand names: Advil, Motrin, Nuprin
PROS: More potent than aspirin, especially for menstrual cramps, toothaches and muscle sprains.  Fewer side effects and maybe somewhat gentler on the stomach than aspirin. 
CONS: While gentler on the stomach than aspirin, ibuprofen may cause stomach or gastrointestinal upset or bleeding in some people.  May be harmful for the following: people with kidney disease, liver disease, asthma, bleeding disorders or allergies to aspirin; those who take an anticoagulant and those who drink alcohol heavily.  Children under age 12 should use only under a doctor's supervision.

KETOPROFEN: Brandnames: Actron, Orudis KT(maybe available as a generic drug)
PROS: Ketoprofen is just as effective as other pain relievers for typical headaches, minor aches and pains and fever.  It's also as effective as aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen sodium against inflammation-related pain and menstrual cramps. Ketoprofen is not as likely as aspirin to cause stomach irritation or gastrointestinal bleeding.  However, it may be more likely to cause these side effects than naproxen sodium, ibuprofen and acetaminophen. Ketoprofen is easier to swallow but harder to pick up for some people because pill size is smaller than other over-the-counter pain relievers.
CONS: Should not be used by people who have asthma, hives or any other allergic reaction after taking a pain reliever/fever reducer.  May be harmful for people who have liver or kidney disease and people who drink alcohol heavily.  Children under age 16 should use only as directed by a doctor.

NAPROXEN SODIUM: Brandname: Aleve
PROS: More potent than aspirin, especially for menstrual cramps, toothaches and inflammation.  Likely to be gentler on the stomach than aspirin or ibuprofen.  Longer-lasting relief than aspirin or ibuprofen.  May work when other pain relievers have not.
CONS: Same risks as ibuprofen.  People over age 65 should take no more than one 200-milligram tablet every 12 hours.  Children under age 12 should use naproxen sodium only under a doctor's supervision. 

When you need an over-the -counter pain reliever, first know your symptoms.  Then compare the pros and cons of the five types available to find the right pain reliever for you.  Always follow the directions on the package, unless your doctor tells you different.  (If you are pregnant or breast feeding, check with your doctor before taking any pain reliever.  Before treating your child with a pain reliever, be sure to talk with his or her physician). 

* If you wish to treat your aches and pains, and save money at the same time, choose a generic drug when available.

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