Over -the -counter anatables: doctors discuss different uses and risks

Most households have a reserve of pain relievers nestled for Surprise headache or stubborn cramps.

But some may not realize that not all analgesics are created equal, and they do not all treat the same type of pain.

Types of pain relievers

Over -the -counter pain relievers (OTC) are divided into two main categories, according to Medline Plus.

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The first is NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as ibuprofen and naproxen.

“These reduce both pain and inflammation, but can irritate the stomach if they are not taken with food”, Dr Jessica Oswald, MD, MPH, anesthesiologist and pain management Specialist at UC San Diego Health, Fox News Digital told Fox.

Over -the -counter pain relievers (OTC) are distributed in two main categories: NSAIDs and acetaminophen. (istock)

The other drug, acetaminophen, also helps pain and fever, but does not reduce inflammation, noted Oswald.

Dr. Min “Frank” Wu, doctor at Advenhealth in Littleton, Colorado, explained how these drugs work differently in the body.

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NSAIDs are effective in treating fever and pain relief, the doctor told Fox News Digital.

These drugs can alleviate a variety of symptoms linked to arthritisInfection, back injury, headache and muscle tension, as well as other acute and chronic conditions that cause pain and inflammation, he said.

A NSAIDs like Ibuprofen as well as acetaminophen and a topical cream “can work together to relieve pain more effectively,” said a doctor. (istock)

“NSAIDs work by inhibiting cycloxygenase enzymes (COX-1 and COX-2) throughout the body,” he noted, which means that they inhibit the production of “biological mediators” which cause inflammation and blood clotting.

Acetaminophen, on the other hand, works by “inhibiting the Cox enzymes and modulating the endocannabinoid system in the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) to exercise its effects,” said Wu.

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As analgesic relief, acetaminophen is effective for migraines, according to the doctor.

“In combination, acetaminophen / caffeine is recommended as first-line agent by many European agencies,” he noted.

Acetaminophen can be taken with caffeine in response to migraines, according to some experts. (istock)

The effectiveness of acetaminophen for arthritic pain, however, is small and not clinically important, according to WU.

“It has not been shown that it is effective for low back pain or radicular (nervous pain) in general,” he added.

The power of the combination

Wu stressed that acetaminophen seems to stimulate the properties of the pain of other drugs.

“The combination of acetaminophen and NSAIDs has proven more effective than one or the other medication alone,” said WU.

Oswald also talked about this method, which she calls a “multimodal” approach.

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“In many cases, the combination of different types of pain relievers can be more effective than using only one,” she told Fox News Digital.

For example, an NSAIDs like ibuprofen as well as acetaminophen and a topical cream “can work together to relieve pain,” said Oswald.

Risks and precautions

Research has shown that NSAIDs have several side effects and should be used with caution, the two doctors stressed.

“It has been shown that they cause gastrointestinal problems, and in serious cases can cause ulcers and bleeding,” noted Wu.

These side effects seem to depend on the size of the dose, added the doctor.

“In many cases, the combination of different types of pain relievers can be more effective than using only one.”

There is evidence of increased gastric effects, kidney problems and heart disease at higher doses. Food and Drug Administration of the United States (FDA) has also issued warnings on cardiovascular risk.

In sufficiently high doses, it can (less commonly) cause liver damage, which can potentially be fatal, according to Wu.

People with certain health problems – such as kidney problems, heart problems or stomach ulcers – should talk to a healthcare professional before using NSAIDs, said a doctor. (istock)

Oswald has recommended that people with certain health problems – such as kidney problems, heart problems or stomach ulcers – speak to a doctor before using NSAIDs.

Acetaminophen has been linked to a potential risk of liver damage and allergic reactions, according to the FDA. Rare but serious skin reactions have also been reported.

“Acetaminophen is generally safer for most people, as long as they remain less than 3,000 milligrams per day,” added Oswald.

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After weighing the advantages and risks, the doctor said that people had to “absolutely” keep the two types of medicines over the counter by hand at home.

“Having several different options allows you to manage pain more effectively by targeting it in different ways,” she said.

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In the end, if the pain does not improve or does not come back, it is better to consult a health professional who can assess the cause and discuss other treatment options, including prescription drugs.