10 Common Facts About Pain Relievers You Must Know

By | March 31, 2021

What do people do in case of common pains in their body- take a tablet or two of aspirin with water and then visit the doctor the next day. But, there are so many pain relievers out there in the market that it has become difficult for the consumer to decide which one is better.

One of the initial pain relievers was called Willow Bark. Willow bark was made using willow bark teas or extracts. It was one of the most trusted solutions for pain and fever for about 2000 years. However, salicylic acid, which is an active ingredient, was a bit irritating on my stomach.

In 1897 a chemist from Germany who was working for Bayer Company discovered a way that can modify salicylic acid which won’t be hard on people’s stomachs. He made a compound named acetylsalicylic acid called Aspirin. Aspirin remained the leading painkiller until 1956 when acetaminophen and in 1962 ibuprofen was developed. This is the reason we find so many pain relievers in the market.

Is Tylenol acetaminophen or NSAID?

Tylenol is not an NSAID, it is instead acetaminophen. There are two basic types of pain relievers – acetaminophen and NSAID or non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. While you can get many painkillers without a prescription, however, some pain relievers can be purchased only after proper prescription.

Pain Relievers

Facts You Should Know About Common Pain Relievers

Which painkiller is better than the other is a big question, and while you’re figuring that out might, you might end up with a severe headache. Do not worry! We have got you covered. We have brought some facts that will help you decide which painkiller you should go for.

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What is the Difference between NSAID and Acetaminophen?

NSAID will reduce your pain, bring the inflammation down and lower the fever. They prove accommodating when the cause of the pain is inflammation like arthritis. On the other hand, acetaminophen will reduce your fever, and it will ease your pain, but it will not lower inflammation.

Over Consumption of NSAIDs Might have Side Effects

This applies to all kinds of drugs, over consumption of any drug will have their side effects. Regular intake of NSAIDs apart from aspirin might increase the risk of cardiac or heart diseases. NSAIDs are also problematic on the stomach, which can cause gastrointestinal bleeding and ulcers. Note that these effects will only occur after prolonged consumption of NSAIDs. If you are consuming it occasionally and only when necessary, it won’t harm you.

Side effects of NSAIDs and Acetaminophen are not the same

Acetaminophen works in different ways than NSAID. Acetaminophen is not as hard on the stomach as NSAID. However, this does not mean that acetaminophen does not have any side effects.

Prolonged consumption of acetaminophen might lead to liver damage. Consuming 3250 mg of acetaminophen per day is considered to be okay and safe; however, beyond that it is not secured might have severe health effects. Heavy doses might be a problem, but in many cases, people consuming small doses for a more extended period have also reported liver problems. Drinking alcohol, along with acetaminophen, will also lead to liver problems.

Acetaminophen is present in many headaches and cold medicines. This is the reason people do not realize that they are consuming more of this drug because they are present in so many different medications.

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Stomach related problems due to regular intake of NSAIDs

Some people have to consume NSAIDs daily because of arthritis or other problems. If NSAIDs cause irritation in your stomach or you are facing a high risk of gastrointestinal complications, then you should also consume a proton pump inhibitor to counter the effect of NSAIDs. A proton pump inhibitor has esomeprazole, lansoprazole, omeprazole, pantoprazole or rabeprazole.

Always take Aspirin before you take NSAIDs

In case your health advisor has prescribed you to take aspirin for heart and NSAIDs for inflammation or pain, then remember to consume aspirin before NSAIDs. There is a simple science behind this fact, let’s understand that. The work of aspirin is to prevent your blood Platelets from getting sticky and thus, prevent clots. Clots in blood might lead to heart strokes.

If you consume NSAIDs before aspirin, NSAIDs will prevent aspirin from doing its work. This will only increase the risk of heart attacks. So the best thing to do is to take a dose of aspirin then wait for about half an hour and then take NSAIDs. If this advice slips out of your human brain and you consume NSAID first then wait for at least eight hours until you consume aspirin.

Be aware of your blood pressure

All NSAIDs apart from aspirin might increase your blood pressure level. This effect is more substantial in people who are already blood pressure patients. However, people with normal blood pressure levels might also face the problem of high blood pressure if they are consuming NSAIDs regularly.

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Apart from NSAID, regular consumption of acetaminophen might also slightly increase the blood pressure levels.

Genes matter

Every person is different from one another. Something that works for someone might not work for you and vice versa—similarly people’s reaction to pain relievers. There will be a lot of trial and error before you find the right painkiller for yourself.

There is no harm in going generic

Over the counter medicines, including pain relievers, will always be less expensive. However, there is not much difference between them and their competitors, they will work in just the same manner. So you can settle for a cheaper option and save a bit of money.

Pain Relievers might be problematic on your kidney

Every NSAIDs, including COX-2, might prove hard on your kidney. In some extreme cases, it might also lead to kidney failure. There are some signs of kidney diseases, these are:

  • Unexplained vomiting
  • Nausea
  • Fatigue
  • Weakness
  • Loss of appetite
  • Changes in your output of urine

These were some amazing facts and tips that will help you when you will go and buy pain relievers next time.

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