what is the best general OTC pain reliever around
2007-01-25 04:29:40 · 13 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ General Health Care ➔ Pain & Pain Management
There are four major OTC pain relievers on the U.S. market:
Acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) [ASPIRIN]
Acetaminophen [TYLENOL]
Ibuprofen [ADVIL or MOTRIN]
Naproxen [ALEVE]
It depends on which kind of pain you are trying to treat. If it pain due to something like arthritis, then they will all have some benefit. But generally speaking Aleve will probably be the most beneficial option because it is longer acting and may be the strongest anti-inflammatory of the bunch. Next would be Advil, then Aspirin, then Tylenol. Although keep in mind, some people get better results with different drugs and sometimes Tylenol ends up on top. Excedrin is a combination of ASA and acetaminophen, and this may an option for you as well. You can take Tylenol with any of the other three meds (as long as you have no kidney problems) This would probably be the strongest OTC option for anyone.
Also keep in mind that if you have any medical conditions, are on any medications, or have any allergies to meds, this could greatly influence your decision. a common problem been stomach issues, for example, would sway your decision to try Tylenol first and save naproxen for when you really need it. And you may consider taking ranitidine or Prilosec if you do need naproxen and you have stomach issues.
There is a lot to consider! However if you are generally healthy then I would try Aleve first and work your way around the other options from there.
2007-01-25 04:46:41 · answer #1 · answered by Take Your Medicine 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Could be constipation, some people tend to think that having a bowel movement once or twice a week is normal. Truth is, if you aren't having a regular bowel movement at least once or twice a day...you are constipated. I've seen this happen with alot of women, they tend to think it's the ovaries...but it turns out just to be an impacted bowel. Try drinking lots of water, at least 10 glasses spread throughout the day. Eat some high fiber foods, green apples, walnuts and almonds are a few things that come to mind. Hope this helps.
2016-03-29 02:05:28 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
For me, it's Excedrin.
Now I will add this even though I've never tried it. I've heard people swear by BC powder. They say it will relieve pain when nothing else will. It's an old remedy, and people still use it so I guess it must work for a lot of people.
2007-01-25 05:02:59 · answer #3 · answered by momwithabat 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Tylenol works for me, most times. But I have used Aleve and Motrin for some really mean headaches.
2007-01-25 04:44:54 · answer #4 · answered by Tigger 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
2 each his own'' as the old sayin' goes! some work better than others on some people....i personally prefer some type of ibuprofen (motrin, advil, etc) over like Tylenol, etc....so whatever works i guess....
2007-01-25 04:39:11 · answer #5 · answered by ILovemyhubby!!!! 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It depends on what is causing the pain. If it's swelling, advil, otherwise tylenol.
2007-01-25 06:01:44 · answer #6 · answered by kherome 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
IF YOU HAVE NO ALLERGIES, Tylenol would be one. Then Motrin, then Excedrin.
Different things work for different people.
2007-01-25 04:37:54 · answer #7 · answered by Doodlebug 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you can still find the cough syrup with codeine in it, then I would say that. The best that works for me though is Aleve.
2007-01-25 04:34:46 · answer #8 · answered by chuck g 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I ask this question a lot, and the most consistent answer has always been Naproxen.
2007-01-25 12:01:24 · answer #9 · answered by dirkle1 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Aleve works well for me.
2007-01-25 04:35:13 · answer #10 · answered by rockinout 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋