Most households have a stash of painkillers A surprising headache Or stubborn convulsions.
However, some may not realize that not all painkillers are created equally, and not all treat the same type of pain.
According to Medline Plus, over-the-counter (OTC) painkillers fall into two main categories:
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The first is NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) like ibuprofen and naproxen.
“These reduce both pain and inflammation, but can irritate the stomach if not consumed with food.” Pain management A specialist at UC San Diego Health told Fox News Digital.
Another drug, acetaminophen, can also help with pain and fever, but does not reduce inflammation, Oswald pointed out.
Dr. Min “Frank” Wu, a doctor at AdventHealth in Littleton, Colorado, explained in detail how these drugs work differently in the body.
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NSAIDs are effective in relieving fever and pain, doctors told Fox News Digital.
These medications can reduce a variety of symptoms Related to arthritisalong with infections, back injuries, headaches, muscle tension, and other acute and chronic symptoms that cause pain and inflammation, he said.
“NSAIDs work by inhibiting cyclooxygenase enzymes (COX-1 and COX-2) throughout the body,” he pointed out. In other words, it inhibits the production of “biological mediators” that cause inflammation and blood clotting.
Meanwhile, acetaminophen “works by inhibiting Cox enzymes and regulating the endocannabinoid system of the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) to exert its effect,” Wu said.
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Acetaminophen is a painkiller Effective for migrainesAccording to the doctor.
“In combination, acetaminophen/caffeine is recommended as a first-line agent by many European institutions,” he pointed out.
Efficacy of acetaminophen Arthritis painHowever, according to Wu, it is not clinically important.
“It has not been shown to be effective for lower back pain and generally nervous (neuralgia),” he added.
Wu noted that acetaminophen appears to enhance pain relief properties of other drugs.
“The combination of acetaminophen and NSAID has been shown to be more effective than either drug alone,” Wu said.
Oswald also spoke about this method. This is called the “multimodal” approach.
“In many cases, combining different types of painkillers is more effective than using just one,” she told Fox News Digital.
For example, NSAIDs like ibuprofen along with acetaminophen and topical cream “can work together to relieve pain more effectively,” Oswald said.
Research has shown that NSAIDs have multiple negative effects and need to be used with caution, both physicians noted.
“They are shown to cause Gastrointestinal problemsand in severe cases it can cause ulcers and bleeding,” Wu noted.
These side effects appear to be dose size dependent, doctors added.
There is evidence of increased stomach effects, kidney damage and heart disease at high doses. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) also issues cardiovascular risk warnings.
A sufficient dose can cause liver damage. This can be potentially fatal.
Oswald is a type of person with a certain health condition, such as kidney problems. Heart problems Or stomach ulcers – you should consult your doctor before using NSAID.
According to the FDA, acetaminophen is associated with liver damage and the potential risk of allergic reactions. Rare but serious skin reactions have also been reported.
“Acetaminophen is generally safe for most people as long as it stays below 3,000 milligrams per day,” added Oswald.
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After weighing the benefits and risks, doctors said people should “absolutely” hold both types of OTC medications at home.
“With several different options, targeting in different ways will help you manage your pain more effectively,” she said.
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Ultimately, if the pain doesn’t improve or is back, it’s best to consult Doctor; Medical professional Who can assess the cause and discuss other treatment options, including prescription medications.
