Pain-Relievers Pain. It is a common experience though the cause Ibuprofen/Naproxen and severity differ greatly. Lucky for us there are pain-relievers (analgesics). Purpose: To reduce inflammation, reduce pain (E.g. Headache, mild or moderate pain. More Which pain- effective than aspirin or reliever will be acetaminophen for relief the most menstrual cramps effective one (dysmenorrhea). for you? Adverse Reactions: Commonly used nausea, heartburn, pain relievers diarrhea, indigestion, are not only abdominal discomfort, used for mild bleeding and ulcers. pain but also fever reduction and inflammation. Choose your pain reliever wisely for the most Examples: Advil, Motrin, Nuprin, Metaprin. effective treatment possible. The following Aleve and naproxen are similar to ibuprofen, information will give you a brief outline for each but last longer. All must be taken with food. commonly used pain relieving substance. Not recommended for use by pregnant or There are generic forms of each of the pain breast-feeding women. relievers. The generic pain relievers are as effective as the “Name Brand” pain relievers, and Avoid if any history of aspirin sensitivity. cost considerably less. For more information ask your pharmacist or health practitioner. Acetaminophen Aspirin Purpose: reduce pain, reduce fever Purpose: To reduce inflammation, pain, fever, (E.g. headache, and low intensity pain (E.g. headache, joint fever) pain, muscle pain) Adverse Adverse Reactions: skin rash, hives, shortness Reactions: of breath, asthma, shock, edema (swelling), Stomach irritation, stomach irritation, bleeding and ulcers. skin rash much less common than with Examples: Bayer aspirin. Aspirin, Bayer Timed Release, generic Examples: Tylenol, Panadol, Aspirin Free, aspirin. Anacin and Apap. Excedrin also contain caffeine. Remember that pain is our bodies’ way of If you have a stomach that is sensitive to indicating a problem. See your health aspirin, consider a buffered (Bufferin) or a practitioner if pain is severe, persistent, or not coated aspirin. Coated aspirin, such as Ecotrin, relieved by these over-the-counter analgesics. dissolves in the intestine rather than the Overdoses can be lethal, so follow the stomach. directions on the container. This document was prepared by the staff of the UWSP University Health Service. This information should not be used in lieu of medical care. Last updated: March 2003 Pain-Relievers.doc .