6/18/2023 0 Comments Over the counter medicineThese medicines, which include aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen, among others, relieve pain and reduce fever. What are Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)? It’s important to follow the directions on the label, especially if you have medical issues or take other medications.”īelow, we explain the differences between the two categories of OTC medicines and answer commonly asked questions about them. “You have to remember you are still taking a medication. “Over-the-counter medicines can be very helpful, but people need to take them with caution,” says anesthesiologist Donna-Ann Thomas, MD, Yale Medicine’s division chief of pain medicine. And there can be health consequences if you take too much of them. We can’t cover all of the cautions here, so it’s important to read the label carefully and talk to your doctor and/or pharmacist with questions and concerns.Īs with any drug, OTC pain medicines have risks and potential side effects. Pay attention to the cautions on the label, especially if you are pregnant, older, taking other medications, or have any health conditions. (Combining any medicines-whether they are prescription or nonprescription ones-can potentially cause an adverse reaction, or-if both contain a similar ingredient-an overdose.) The best medicine for you depends on your age, any medical conditions you may have, and other medications you may be taking. Most OTC medications fall into one of two categories: nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and acetaminophen, and there are different subtypes and brands (and generic options) within each of these categories.Ĭhoosing the right OTC pain medicine can be overwhelming. Called over-the-counter (or OTC) treatments, you can get these medicines without a prescription, and they will ease pain, bring down a fever, and treat inflammation, depending on which one you take. Pain relievers you buy at the store may be one of the first things you reach for when you hurt yourself, have a headache or backache, or feel discomfort due to some other nagging ailment that doesn’t require a visit to the doctor.
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