Over the counter pain medications: 16 things you should know

Many effective over-the-counter medications are available for the treatment of back pain.  Here are 16 things you should know about using these drugs.

• Over-the-counter medications may have serious side effects if used long-term or excessively. Therefore, it is advisable to use the lowest effective dose possible for the shortest duration possible.
• Persistent pain despite several weeks of usage may be an indicator of a serious underlying condition. See your doctor if you find you still need to take medications.
• Although one can easily obtain effective over-the-counter pain medications it is important to read the labels. Many of these over the counter medications contain combination medications leading to possible inadvertent overdose or side effects if used in conjunction with other drugs.

• NSAID stands for non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug.  NSAIDs are a broad class of medications which work by inhibiting the body’s normal inflammatory response.  Aspirin, Advil, Motrin, Midol and Naproxen are common NSAIDs.  Naproxen is also known as Alleve.
• Aspirin may also reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke, but only if you have risk factors like diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol.
• All NSAIDs, except for Aspirin, can increase your risk of heart attack or stroke if taken long term.
• Over the counter NSAIDS may cause gastritis or ulcers.   Some prescription NSAIDS, called COX-2 inhibitors, don’t.
• NSAIDs can inhibit your ability to clot, thus promoting bleeding. 
• When taken in excess, NSAIDs may also damage the kidney.
• Some patients may be allergic to certain NSAIDs.  This may result in hives or wheezing.  Life-threatening reactions may occur in susceptible patients. 
• Tylenol, sometimes referred to as Acetaminophen or APAP, is a very common and very effective pain reliever that is available over-the-counter.  The exact mechanism of action for Tylenol is unknown. 
• The most serious side effect of Tylenol administration is liver damage.  Therefore, Tylenol should be taken as directed. 
• Tylenol should not be used when there are liver problems, like hepatitis, cirrhosis or alcohol damage. 
• Tylenol should be used judiciously in heavy drinkers. 
• Care should be taken when using multiple medications, since Tylenol is commonly compounded in conjunction with other pain relievers.  For example, many narcotic medications (like Vicodin) contain Tylenol.  Taking Tylenol in addition to these medications may lead to an accidental Tylenol overdose.