Not all pain reliefs are the same. Many over the counter painkillers have different effects on your body. It depends on your health conditions and the type of pain you're experiencing. We'll cover the different types of pain and the painkillers to choose from. For instance, what's the best painkillers for period pain, toothache, back pain and more.
With this quick guide, you'll learn the difference between your over the counter painkillers.
Paracetamol
Paracetamol eases fever and can ease a temporary pain from mild to medium level. For example, Paracetamol is a great option as a painkiller for a period pain, headache and some lower back pain. Read the instructions for the right dosage. For children, choose a product that’s meant for them, it will say so on the packaging. The strength of medicine is often different from adults version of it. Common brand names include Panadol, Dymadon and Chemist own.
Aspirin
Aspirin is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) drug used for fever and mild to medium temporary pain. Such as a toothache, period paid, headaches, migraines and as an anti-inflammatory drug, it can reduce swelling like rheumatoid arthritis. Aspirin can also be used in certain patients to prevent blood clots, strokes and heart attacks. More popular over the counter painkillers include Cartia, Bayer, Bufferin and Chemist Own.
Ibuprofen
Ibuprofen is also an NSAID drug. It’s preferred over aspirin for ongoing pains and conditions, namely, period pain, back pain and arthritis. Alongside with aspirin, it's the best painkiller for toothache as it reduces the inflammation. While ibuprofen can be given to children, aspirin can not. Common brands of ibuprofen are Advil, Motrin and Chemist Own.
Disclofenac
Disclofenac is an NSAID drug that decreases the production of chemicals responsible for inflammation. Suitable for only adults. Disclofenac is considered more potent NSAID than ibuprofen. It’s often used to help with arthritis, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis or spine affecting arthritis. It comes in different forms, for instance, oral tablets and topical gels. Commonly known over the counter painkillers are Voltaren and Chemist Own.
To sum up, depending on the type of pain you're experiencing, you can choose between NSAID and paracetamol. If you're looking for painkillers for period pain, choose between paracetamol and aspirin. Or if you're looking for the best painkiller for toothache, go for ibuprofen.
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