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- Cholesterol Levels: What You Need to Know
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- How to Lower Cholesterol
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Pain Relievers
Summary
Pain relievers are medicines that reduce or relieve headaches, sore muscles, arthritis, or other aches and pains. There are many different pain medicines, and each one has advantages and risks. Some types of pain respond better to certain medicines than others. Each person may also have a slightly different response to a pain reliever.
Over-the-counter (OTC) medicines are good for many types of pain. There are two main types of OTC pain medicines: acetaminophen (Tylenol) and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Aspirin, naproxen (Aleve), and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) are examples of OTC NSAIDs.
If OTC medicines don’t relieve your pain, your doctor may prescribe something stronger. Many NSAIDs are also available at higher prescription doses. The most powerful pain relievers are opioids. They are very effective, but they can sometimes have serious side effects. There is also a risk of opioids. Because of the risks, you must use them only under a doctor’s supervision.
There are many things you can do to help ease pain. Pain relievers are just one part of a pain treatment plan.
Children
- Accidental Exposures to Fentanyl Patches Continue to Be Deadly to Children Food and Drug Administration
- An Acetaminophen Overdose Is Serious and It Can Happen Easier Than You Might Think Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research
- Codeine and Tramadol Can Cause Breathing Problems for Children Food and Drug Administration
Patient Handouts
- Acetaminophen dosing for children Medical Encyclopedia
- Ibuprofen dosing for children Medical Encyclopedia
- Over-the-counter pain relievers Medical Encyclopedia
- Pain medications – narcotics Medical Encyclopedia
- Taking narcotics for back pain Medical Encyclopedia
Diagnosis and Tests
- Acetaminophen Level National Library of Medicine
- Salicylates Level National Library of Medicine
Encyclopedia
- Acetaminophen overdose Medical Encyclopedia
- Analgesic nephropathy Medical Encyclopedia
- Aspirin overdose Medical Encyclopedia
- Diclofenac sodium overdose Medical Encyclopedia
- Fenoprofen calcium overdose Medical Encyclopedia
- Ibuprofen overdose Medical Encyclopedia
- Indomethacin overdose Medical Encyclopedia
- Ketoprofen overdose Medical Encyclopedia
- Meclofenamate overdose Medical Encyclopedia
- Naproxen sodium overdose Medical Encyclopedia
- Pentazocine overdose Medical Encyclopedia
- Piroxicam overdose Medical Encyclopedia
- Propoxyphene overdose Medical Encyclopedia
- Sulindac overdose Medical Encyclopedia
- Tolmetin overdose Medical Encyclopedia
Start Here
- Chronic Pain Medicines American Academy of Family Physicians
- Pain Relievers: Understanding Your OTC Options American Academy of Family Physicians
Specifics
- Chronic Pain: Medication Decisions Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research
- Cortisone Shots Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research
- Nerve Blocks Radiological Society of North America
- NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs) American College of Rheumatology
- Prescription Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Medicines American Academy of Family Physicians
- Safe Use, Storage, and Disposal of Opioid Drugs American Academy of Family Physicians
- Support for People with Cancer: Cancer Pain Control National Cancer Institute
Clinical Trials
- ClinicalTrials.gov: Analgesics National Institutes of Health
- ClinicalTrials.gov: Narcotics National Institutes of Health
Related Issues
- Don’t Double Up on Acetaminophen Food and Drug Administration
- Keeping Kidneys Safe: Smart Choices about Medicines National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
- Pain Control after Surgery: Pain Medicines American Academy of Family Physicians
Find an Expert
- Food and Drug Administration Food and Drug Administration
Journal Articles
Women
- Women and Pain Medicines Food and Drug Administration