For mild to moderate pain or a fever, over-the-counter (OTC) medications can offer quick, effective relief and are generally safe to take. Many people use them interchangeably. Still, each medication relies on a unique primary ingredient that works differently in your body. For maximum effectiveness, it makes sense to match your choice of medication to the specific situation.
Acetaminophen vs NSAIDs
According to wellness coach and SSM Health family physician Dr. Roopa Shah, acetaminophen – often known by the brand name Tylenol – is better for fevers. “It’s believed to reduce fever and relieve minor pain by regulating your body’s temperature and raising your pain threshold,” she said.
The other type of common pain medications are called NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). These drugs include aspirin, ibuprofen (e.g., Advil or Motrin), and naproxen, also known as Aleve. Dr. Shah said, “These drugs are usually more effective for pain relief, especially inflammatory pain like muscle aches. They work throughout your body to reduce inflammation, pain, and fever.”
She added, “In general, acetaminophen can be gentler on your body than an NSAID like ibuprofen.”
Minimizing the risks
Dr. Shah notes that when you follow the instructions for dosing and frequency, these medications have relatively few risks. However, taking too much of any pain medication or too many doses close together can increase your risk for health issues.
“Too much acetaminophen can cause liver damage, while NSAIDs carry serious risks for stomach and heart issues,” she said. “You can also damage your kidneys if you take higher doses of NSAIDs or take them too frequently over a long period.”
Beyond following the dosing guidelines, it’s important to know what ingredients are in the other OTC medications you’re taking.
“Some cold and flu medications combine acetaminophen with other active ingredients to help control fever and pain. If you then take Tylenol with your cold or flu medication, you could be taking too much acetaminophen at one time,” she noted.
For questions about dosing, Dr. Shah recommends reaching out to your primary care provider or asking a pharmacist. “Pharmacists are incredibly knowledgeable. They can help you make informed decisions about your type of pain or any chronic conditions. They can also check for potential drug interactions with your other medications or supplements,” she said.
When pain persists
If you’re habitually reaching for pain medication, Dr. Shah recommends talking to your doctor. “Chronic complaints like headaches or muscle cramping may indicate something more serious is going on. Your doctor can help diagnose any underlying health conditions and prescribe medications or lifestyle changes that might be better treatment.”
And don’t forget, there are other forms of pain relief you might consider. “If you have muscular aches and pains, try a topical pain reliever. Often NSAIDs and other analgesics come as creams or patches to give targeted relief,” she noted. “And non-medicated remedies like heating pads for back pain or water exercise for arthritis are always options, too.”
If pain is disrupting your quality of life, SSM Health offers pain management and treatment for many types of chronic pain. Learn more about pain care and management.
