Information provided by Sutter Health’s MyLifeStages and pain management specialist Pain Drug Comparison Chart Karen Pantazis, M.D.
Painkillers are among the most commonly used drugs in the United States. Deciding which to use deserves careful consideration. Use this quick comparison chart to COMMON SENSE help guide a conversation with your doctor about which CONSIDERATIONS medications are best and safest for you. • Talk with your doctor about medication dosage and possible contraindications. • Never take any drugs when you are pregnant without first consulting your doctor. • Exercise caution with sensitive groups such as children, the elderly and those with serious health conditions. OVER THE COUNTER
Classification Brand Name Generic Name Best Used For Common Side Effects Warnings
Bayer Aspirin Minor aches and pains, fever • GI bleeding • May contribute to Bufferin reduction and • Increased bleeding macular degeneration anti-inflammatory • Ulcers • Risk of Reyes syndrome in children Ascriptin and teens Aspirin Ecotrin • Do not combine with blood thinner Family St. Joseph’s medication • Can cause tinnitus in high doses • Can cause kidney problems
Tylenol Acetaminophen Pain and fever • Itching/swelling • Liver damage possible if you take Excedrin reduction (especially of the face/ more than recommended dose or you tongue/throat) drink alcohol. Acetaminophen • Rash • OTC cough and flu products contain • Dizziness acetaminophen. It can add up quickly. • Bloody stools Limit total dose per day to 2000 mg. • Stomach bleeding
Advil Ibuprofen, naproxen Pain, fever reduction and • Heartburn • May increase risk of Motrin – also known as non anti-inflammatory • Nausea cardiac events and stroke steroidal • Rash • Increases risk of GI bleeding and Aleve NSAIDs • Dizziness perforation • Stomach pain • Can cause kidney problems OVER THE COUNTER [con’t] Classification Brand Name Generic Name Best Used For Common Side Effects Warnings
Midol Preps Combinations of For headaches, • Dizziness • Consider all warnings for aspirin, acet- acetaminophen, bloating, fatigue and • GI bleeding aminophen and NSAIDs like ibuprofen, caffeine, naproxen, menstrual symptoms • GI upset since combination drugs may combine Combination aspirin • Irritability one or more classes. Drugs • Nervousness
Vanquish Combination For headaches, • Irritation of stomach or of aspirin, migraines, headaches, intestines Painkillers acetominophen and muscle aches, • Nervousness combining one caffeine menstrual aches, or • Nausea or more classes other minor aches and • Taste problems of OTC drugs. pains due to sinusitis, • Trouble sleeping arthritis, or colds • Ulcer from stomach acid
Excedrin Combinations of Migraine pain • Dizziness Migraine acetaminophen, • GI bleeding caffeine and • GI upset ibuprofen • Irritability • Nervousness
PRESCRIPTION
Classification Brand Name Generic Name Best Used For Common Side Effects Warnings
Vicodin Hydrocodone and Moderate to • Constipation, nausea, respiratory • Do not overtake these medications! Norco acetaminophen Severe Pain depression in high doses or when Take ONLY as prescribed. mixed with other meds or alcohol, Lortab / Lorcet • Can lead to death from respiratory can lead to death Opioid depression if overtaken or mixed with Analgesics other sedatives, including alcohol. Oxycodone Oxycodone Severe Pain • Can lead to dependence and tolerance, Percocet Oxycodone and which are different than addiction. acetaminophen MS ER / Kadian Morphine • Can lead to addiction, especially in high risk individuals Methadone Methadone Dilaudid Hydromorphone Opana Oxymorphone Duragesic Patch Fentanyl Patch
Neuropathic Pain Medication Moderate to • Dizziness • Do not stop medication suddenly Severe Pain • Nausea Neurontin Gabapentin Non- Ultram Tramadol Opioid Lyrica Pregabalin Cymbalta Duloxetine Analgesics Topamax Topiramate Pamelor Nortriptylline
Opioid Agonist / Antagonists Butrans Bupronorphene Patch