Over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers are a convenient way to manage common aches and pains, from headaches and muscle soreness to arthritis and fevers. However, just because these medications are available without a prescription doesn’t mean they’re risk-free. Misuse can lead to serious health complications, including liver damage, stomach ulcers and kidney issues.

Understanding the Types of OTC Pain Relievers

There are two main categories of widely available over-the-counter pain relievers:

• Acetaminophen (Tylenol) – Primarily used for pain relief and fever reduction, acetaminophen is often found in cold and flu medications.

• Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) – This category includes ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve) and aspirin. NSAIDs reduce inflammation, making them effective for conditions like arthritis, muscle pain and menstrual cramps.

Safe Practices for Taking OTC Pain Relievers

1. Follow the Recommended Dosage

Always read the label carefully and adhere to the recommended dosage. Taking more than the suggested amount won’t provide faster relief and can increase the risk of serious side effects.

2. Use the Right Pain Reliever for Your Needs

Different pain relievers work best for different conditions:

• Acetaminophen is ideal for headaches, fever and mild pain.
• Ibuprofen and naproxen are better for inflammation-related pain, such as arthritis or muscle strains.
• Aspirin can help with pain relief and is sometimes used to prevent blood clots in people at risk for heart disease.

3. Take with Food (for NSAIDs)

NSAIDs can irritate the stomach lining, potentially leading to ulcers or gastrointestinal bleeding. To reduce this risk, take ibuprofen, naproxen or aspirin with food or milk.

4. Stay Hydrated

Drinking plenty of water can help your body process medications properly, especially NSAIDs, which can affect kidney function if taken in high doses or over a long period.

5. Be Mindful of Combination Medications

Many cold and flu medications contain acetaminophen. Taking two over-the-counter medications that contain acetaminophen, like taking both DayQuil® and Tylenol®, can exceed the maximum recommended amount, which increases the risk of liver damage. Always check labels to avoid doubling up on the same ingredient.

6. Consult a Doctor If You Have Health Conditions

If you have liver disease, kidney disease, high blood pressure, ulcers or heart disease, consult your doctor before using OTC pain relievers. Some medications may not be safe for your condition.

7. Store Medications Safely

Keep pain relievers out of reach of children and store them in a cool, dry place. Expired medications should be disposed of properly to avoid accidental ingestion.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Don’t Exceed the Daily Limit

Taking more than the recommended dose increases the risk of serious health issues. For example:

• The maximum daily dose of acetaminophen is 4,000 mg. Exceeding this limit can lead to liver damage.
  
  
• High doses of NSAIDs can cause stomach bleeding, kidney damage and increased heart attack risk.
• It’s important to monitor your use of medications that share some of the same active ingredients. For example, if you have a cold and you’re taking multiple over-the-counter medications that contain acetaminophen, you should add the values from both together when monitoring how much you’ve ingested per day.

2. Don’t Mix NSAIDs

Taking multiple NSAIDs (such as ibuprofen and naproxen) together can increase the risk of stomach ulcers and kidney problems. Stick to one type at a time.

3. Don’t Drink Alcohol While Taking Pain Relievers

Alcohol can interact negatively with both acetaminophen and NSAIDs:

• Acetaminophen and alcohol together can severely damage the liver.
• NSAIDs and alcohol increase the risk of stomach bleeding and ulcers.

4. Don’t Take Pain Relievers on an Empty Stomach (for NSAIDs)

NSAIDs can cause stomach irritation and ulcers, so it’s best to take them with food or a glass of milk to protect your stomach lining.

5. Don’t Rely on OTC Pain Relievers for Long-Term Use

If you find yourself taking pain relievers frequently for more than 10 days for pain or 3 days for fever, consult a doctor. Chronic fever, inflammation or pain may be a sign of an underlying condition that needs medical attention.

6. Don’t Give Aspirin to Children Under 12

Aspirin can cause Reye’s syndrome, a rare but serious condition that affects the brain and liver in children recovering from viral infections like the flu or chickenpox. Your pediatrician may recommend acetaminophen or ibuprofen instead for children’s pain and fever relief, but you should always consult your child’s doctor before giving them over-the-counter medications.

7. Don’t Ignore Warning Signs of Side Effects

Seek medical help if you experience:

• Severe stomach pain or black, tarry stools (signs of stomach bleeding)
• Yellowing skin or eyes (a possible sign of liver damage)
• Swelling, shortness of breath or chest pain (could indicate a serious reaction to NSAIDs)

When to Seek Medical Advice

While OTC pain relievers are useful for short-term relief, they are not a cure for chronic pain or serious medical conditions. If you experience persistent pain, worsening symptoms or unusual side effects, it’s time to see a doctor.

Consult With Experienced Pharmacists in Greenspoint, Sugar Land, Jersey City and Throughout Houston

At St. Hope Healthcare pharmacies, we prioritize your health and well-being. If you have questions about pain relief options, medication safety or managing chronic pain, our pharmacists are here to help.

Contact us here on our website or visit one of our pharmacies during operating hours.