OTC pain relievers for daily use: What to know
Many different medications are available to manage pain, and several of them are available to buy at pharmacies and drugstores without a doctor’s prescription. These are called over-the-counter (OTC) medications.
OTC drugs are generally milder and safer than prescription medications. They are generally safe to take on a daily basis for a limited time period. However, each medication still has its own maximum recommended daily dose, and it’s important not to exceed this dose.
What’s more, if you feel that you need to take OTC pain relievers every day for an extended period, it may be a good idea to speak with a healthcare professional for further evaluation and treatment.
OTC pain medications can be safely used to manage mild to moderate pain, such as that caused by headaches, muscle pains, or mild sprains.
The main category of OTC pain medications is nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Some common examples of oral NSAIDs include:
There are also topical NSAIDs you can apply to your skin, such as diclofenac sodium gel (Voltaren), which can be used to manage conditions such as arthritis. Only one kind of NSAID should be taken at a time.
There are other OTC pain relievers, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol). Sometimes, these may be combined with NSAIDs.
These medications are generally considered safe and effective, causing only mild side effects, if any. However, experts recommend only using them for a
For example, the prescribing information for ibuprofen recommends seeking medical attention if pain lasts longer than 10 days. The same timing is listed for acetaminophen.
This is because your pain may be a sign of a serious underlying condition if OTC medications don’t help or if the pain doesn’t ease with time. It’s not usually because the drugs could cause harm to you if you take them for longer than this time, but it may increase your risk of side effects unnecessarily.
Although OTC pain medications are generally very safe, it’s important to stick to the recommended dosages and never exceed the maximum amount. The dosages vary depending on the medication. The following dosages are for adults and children older than 12 years:
It’s important to always follow the package instructions when taking OTC medications. Be careful not to mix different types of medications. For example, some cold and flu products might contain ibuprofen or acetaminophen combined with other medications. These products can’t then be taken alongside Advil or Tylenol.
If you think you’ve taken too much of a medication, seek medical attention as soon as possible.
In some cases, OTC pain relievers may not be the right option. If this is the case, there are several non-medication alternatives available, including:
If the pain is caused by an underlying condition, doctors may aim to treat this condition with different prescription medications.
OTC pain medications that can be bought without a prescription are generally safe and effective at managing mild to moderate pain, such as pain caused by headaches, menstrual pain, or muscle aches. It’s important to always follow the dosage instructions on the drug packet. Never exceed the maximum daily dose.
If your pain doesn’t get better after a few days, consider reaching out to a healthcare professional for further evaluation.
Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.