What’s the best over-the-counter pain medication? It depends on what hurts — and why.
“If you can target the pain with a medication that treats the underlying cause, the pain relief will be better,” says Sunny Linnebur, a professor at the University of Colorado Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences in Aurora.
Although your specific health conditions can alter the equation, here’s a general look at what’s best for what ails you.
1. Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, Midol), Naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn, Naprelan)
What it is/What they are: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) that reduce fever and block prostaglandins, compounds that cause pain and inflammation
Best for: Headaches, musculoskeletal pain, arthritis, toothaches, backaches, sunburn. These are safer choices than aspirin for those with bleeding risks.
Don’t use for: Nerve pain
Avoid if: You take blood thinners or have uncontrolled high blood pressure, heart failure, or a history of ulcers or liver or kidney disease.
2. Acetaminophen (Tylenol, FeverAll, Panadol)
What it is/What they are: An analgesic and antifever medication that works in the brain to reduce mild to moderate pain by changing the way the body senses pain
Best for: Headaches, muscle aches, sore throat, toothaches, backaches, and sprains and strains. Best painkiller for people with GI issues
Don’t use for: Nerve pain or inflammatory conditions like arthritis
Avoid if: You are a heavy drinker. Take no more than 4,000 mg daily to avoid liver issues.
To learn about other common pain relievers and when to use them, from AARP, CLICK HERE.