What is the strongest over-the-counter painkiller
Naproxen. Naproxen (Aleve) is the most powerful anti-inflammatory pain reliever available without a prescription. It is especially effective for sprains, sunburns and arthritis and other conditions. Similar doses of Naproxen tend to last longer than other non-prescription pain relievers.
Which Over-the-Counter Pain Medication Is Best?
Have a hangover or a sprained ankle? Use these tips from a drug information expert to safely choose the correct pain medication for your symptoms.
Acetaminophen, ibuprofen, aspirin — or another option. It can be difficult to know which type of pain medication will best help what ails you.
Tylenol, Advil or Aleve: Which over-the-counter pain reliever should I take?
Not all over-the-counter pain relievers are created equally. When it comes to choosing an OTC pain reliever, Dr. Jeffrey Steinbauer, professor of Family and Community Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine, says you should read the label before reaching for the medication for relief. over-the-counter painkiller
“Over-the-counter medications are often thought to be ‘safe’; but sometimes this isn’t true.,” said Steinbauer.
One of most common adverse medication events is overdose of acetaminophen, the active ingredient in Tylenol, he said.
“Acetaminophen was so ‘safe and effective’ that is made its way into many different medications for pain, colds, flu, sinus, cough, and other medications,” Steinbauer said. “As a result, patients can overdose on acetaminophen without realizing they are taking so much of it. It’s also dangerous because an overdose can cause liver failure.”
Other over-the-counter pain relievers can be dangerous too, especially if they interact with prescribed medications.
