The names and ingredients in common over-the-counter pain relievers and cold remedies can be confusing. What’s the difference between ibuprofen, paracetemol and aspirin? Do you take one for some conditions and a different one for others? Let’s take a look at the different kinds of pain killers, and which is best for your wellbeing.
There’s no cheat sheet that says you should use one pain reliever in some cases, and a different one in others. The truth is that most popular pain relievers are so similar that it doesn’t matter. What’s really important is that the pain reliever doesn’t react badly with medication you’re taking, doesn’t affect a condition you already have (like high blood pressure or liver disease), and you don’t take too much. There are two families of pain relievers: ibuprofen/naproxen and acetaminophen (paracetemol). In most cases, a doctor will tell you to try ibuprofen first (or naproxen if you want something longer lasting), before you move on to paracetemol.
Here are some of the pain relievers you’re likely to come across.
- Aspirin. You can get brands of aspirin or generic varieties, and it used to be really popular for aches and pains. However, Dr. Daniel Weiswasser, a board-certified internist and paediatrician, notes, ‘I would point out that aspirin is typically not used for pain relief anymore; it’s used more typically for its platelet inhibition, which leads to thinning of the blood, which is thought to reduce the risk of heart attacks in those who have had heart attacks already in the past.’
- Ibuprofen. This is an NSAID (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug) pain reliever, which most wellness experts consider to be the best for day-to-day aches and pains, as well as bringing down a fever. Dr. Weiswasser comments, ‘NSAID side effects include stomach upset and ulcers. Like their cousin, aspirin, they also inhibit platelet action, although to a lesser degree. They interfere with the cardioprotective effect of aspirin, may exacerbate heart failure, and may raise blood pressure. They can also worsen kidney disease.’
- Paracetemol. Otherwise known as acetaminophen, paracetemol is used for more minor aches and pains, and as a pain reliever in combination with other drugs. You’ll also find it in cough and cold remedies, or used to bring down a fever. Paracetemol doesn’t have anti-swelling properties, but Dr. Weiswasser warns that acetaminophen overuse is the most common cause of acute liver failure in the United States, and it’s important never to exceed the recommended dose.