For Pain

Acetaminophen is a general pain medication that is extremely safe and effective for almost everyone, except someone who has a liver disease such as cirrhosis. It comes in tablets, gel caps, and liquids so that just about everyone can take one form or another. It is also used as a treatment for fever.

• Unlike some other pain relievers, acetaminophen does not treat the inflammation that occurs when there is injury or trauma. Acetaminophen is also usually one of several ingredients in many other over-the-counter remedies, especially cold remedies that you can buy.



• Common brand names are as follows: Aspirin Free Anacin, Children’s Silapap, Feverall, Genapap, Liquiprin, Panadol, Ridenol, Tempra, Tylenol.

Aspirin is an anti-inflammatory pain medication that may also be found as an ingredient in some other remedies as well. Like acetaminophen, aspirin is safe and effective for most people. But those who have stomach problems, especially ulcers, should not take it. Many aspirin products are coated to protect against stomach upset, but this does not protect against ulcers. Some elderly people can get life-threatening internal bleeding as a result of taking aspirin, so be sure to use aspirin with caution.

• Aspirin is also a treatment for fever, as well as inflammation caused by trauma or arthritis. However, because many fevers are caused by viruses, it is not recommended to take aspirin for fever. This is because some children can develop a life-threatening illness called Reye syndrome.



• Aspirin is also used to treat heart attacks because it prevents the formation of blood clots. Doctors recommend that you chew an aspirin as soon as possible if you are having a heart attack. You should probably take an aspirin if you experience chest pain that you think is a heart attack. Some heart patients, and other people at increased risk of developing a heart attack, are instructed to take 1 aspirin every day to prevent heart attacks.



• Common brand names are these: Anacin, Arthritis Foundation Pain Reliever, Ascriptin, Aspergum, Bayer Aspirin, Bayer Buffered Aspirin, Bufferin, Empirin, Enteric 500 Aspirin, Excedrin, Halfprin, St. Joseph Adult Chewable Aspirin, ZORprin.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory pain relievers (NSAIDs) also treat inflammation and pain. Common NSAIDs are ibuprofen, naproxen, and ketoprofen. They are very similar to aspirin and do an excellent job of treating fevers, and there is no danger of life-threatening Reye syndrome. These medicines do not treat or prevent heart attacks like aspirin does.

• Common brand names are as follows: Ibuprofen (Advil, Excedrin IB, Genpril, Midol 200, Motrin, Nuprin, Pamprin); naproxen (Aleve, Anaprox, Naprelan, Naprosyn); and ketoprofen (Actron, Orudis KT, Oruvail).

Home care: Be sure not to overlook the usefulness of other treatments for pain such as ice packs, heating pads, whirlpools, and massage.