How to Choose The Correct Pain Reliever

Member

By armentrout93
User-Submitted Article

Article Rating: (2 Ratings)

What to take aspirin, ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Today there are a lot of choices. Let's take a look at these choices more closely.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Step 1

With today's advertisements you don't know what to believe. One company says it is better than this company and the other one says that you only take 4 of theirs compared to 8 of the other guys. Yet they all do basically the same thing relieve pain, fever and aches. But which one is best for you.
Step 2

Aspirin is the least expensive and oldest over the counter pain reliever. It does have some drawbacks. People can have stomach upset and go all the way to bleeding in the stomach which can be life threatening. Aspirin therapy is recommended for people over the age of 50 with high cholesterol and high blood pressure to help prevent heart attacks. It also helps in preventing colon cancer. You still run the risk of bleeding in the brain with aspirin so always check with your physician before starting any aspirin therapy.
Step 3

Now let's look at ibuprofen. These are called (NSAIDs) newer nonsteroidial anti-inflammatory drugs. Ibuprofen is easier on the stomach. It is good for menstrual pain as well but it is in no way safe either. They also can cause internal bleeding, kidney problems and does not react well with some blood pressure medications.
Step 4

Last but not least is acetaminophen. It seems to be the safest of the three we discussed so far but, it also has some side effects. Drinking more than 3 alcoholic drinks a day and take acetaminophen can cause liver damage. You also run the risk of internal bleeding with that much alcohol and acetaminophen combined.
Step 5

People with ulcers should take acetaminophen as a better choice. On the other hand people with hepatitis or liver problems should avoid acetaminophen. People who drink a lot should avoid taking pain relievers on a regular basis.
Step 6

Besides taking a low dose aspirin to prevent heart attacks elderly people should generally take acetaminophen for minor aches and pains.
Step 7

Children should not take aspirin if they have the flu. They can get Reyes's syndrome.
Step 8

Do your wallet a favor and buy generic brands. They all work the same except for the price.