When a person is in pain or suffering from inflammation, an over-the-counter pain medication is usually strong enough to provide lasting pain relief treatment. These types of drugs, known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, are available at drugstores and department stores and can be acquired without a prescription. Here is a list of NSAIDs:
Acetaminophen Pain Reliever
Acetaminophen is the active ingredient in the very popular pain and fever reducer Tylenol. According to Medicine Net, this type of NSAID can be taken safely in the dosage of 325 to 650 mg for adults every four to six hours. For children, the guidelines are 40 to 650 mg every four hours.
Ibuprofen Anti-Inflammatory
Motrin and Advil are two popular over-the-counter NSAIDs that contain ibuprofen. Ibuprofen is also used in fever reduction and lowering levels of pain, and can be used to reduce inflammation as well. Ibuprofen can be consumed by adults and children, with the proper dosage for adults at 200 to 400 mg every four to six hours. For children, five to 10 mg every six to eight hours is recommended. Children should not exceed 40 mg/km daily of ibuprofen.
Naproxen
Naproxen is the main ingredient in products such as Aleve and Anaprox, and has pain reducing and fever reducing capabilities, as well as the ability to lessen inflammation. Naproxen works very well for many people, but does come with warnings. Certain medication, such as blood pressure medicine, blood thinners and lithium may cause an unwanted interaction with naproxen. Also, naproxen should not be used in children without first contacting a physician. Adults can take 250 to 500 mg of naproxen daily.
Acetylsalicylic Acid
Acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) is a commonly prescribed preventative NSAID. This type of NSAID is used for fever, pain and mild inflammation as well. Acetylsalicylic acid is another product that should not be used for children, especially when accompanied by a chest cold or pneumonia. Reye’s Syndrome has been linked to acetylsalicylic acid use in children and teenagers according to the Centers for Disease Control, so any products containing acetylsalicylic acid in it should be avoided.
Using NSAIDs Safely
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can be an affordable way to manage mild to moderate pain that does not last for a long period of time. While various NSAIDs can be used together, such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen, any type of medication stacking should be avoided until a pharmacist or physician can provide the proper guidance. Always read over-the-counter labels and avoid using medications that are expired.
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