How to Choose Between Aspirin and Other Pain Relievers

Choices in pain relievers seem to become greater on an almost weekly basis. Besides asking your doctor for his or her recommendations how do you choose? Aspirin? Aleve? Tylenol? Each pain reliever has been created to help with certain pains or ailments and each can have drawbacks as well. When choosing your pain reliever some insight into the medication itself is advisable and other medications you are taking, or conditions you have, should definitely be taken into account.

Aspirin:

Aspirin is a salicylate drug also known as acetylsalicylic acid. It is used as a general analgesic for relieving minor pains. It can also be used as an anti-inflammatory medication and as an antipyretic to reduce fever. Aspirin is classed as an NSAID or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug. Because aspirin also has an anti-platelet effect it is used in low dose, long-term treatment for prevention of heart attacks and stroke. It thins the blood and reduces clotting. Adverse effects from aspirin include upset stomach and the possibility of ulcers and stomach bleeding. With it's anti-platelet effect it can actually thin the blood too much and is not suggested for use before surgical procedures. It is also not recommended for use in children or adolescents due to the possibility of developing Reye's syndrome. Aspirin is actually a registered trademark of the Bayer corporation in many countries. More information about aspirin can be found at these sites: http://www.drugs.com/aspirin.html and http://www.wonderdrug.com/

Naproxen sodium:

Naproxen is also in the group of drugs classified as NSAID's. Naproxen works by reducing the hormones that can cause pain and inflammation. It works by blocking enzymes that create prostaglandins which are responsible for inflammation and pain. Naproxen sodium has benefits in treating pain from bursitis, arthritis and menstrual cramps. Naproxen has the same drawbacks as other NSAID drugs and can cause bleeding or problems with blood clotting. As it's name implies, naproxen sodium contains sodium and is not recommended for use by patients suffering from high blood pressure as the sodium can increase blood pressure. Some brand names of this type of pain reliever are Aleve and Anaprox.

Ibuprofen:

Another pain reliever in the NSAID category is Ibuprofen. The chemical name for ibuprofen is iso-butyl-propanoic-phenolic acid. In low dosages, ibuprofen seems to have the least adverse effects in stomach irritation. Ibuprofen also has a milder anti-platelet effect than aspirin and the effect has a shorter duration. Excessive or extended use of ibuprofen can have adverse effects on the heart. Unlike regular aspirin, ibuprofen does not break down in solution form and may be used as a topical analgesic. Ibuprofen is considered to be among the "essential drugs" according to the World Health Organization. (http://www.who.int/medicines/en/) Brand names of ibuprofen include Advil and Motrin.

Acetaminophen:

Acetaminophen is an antipyretic and analgesic, good in the use for treatment of minor ache and fever reduction. It is not an NSAID drug and because of this it does not reduce swelling or inflammation of arthritic symptoms.. Acetaminophen is less likely than aspirin to cause stomach upset and can be used in appropriate doses on children and infants. Tylenol and aspirin free Excedrin are acetaminophens. Acetaminophen is not recommended for anyone with heavy alcohol consumption as the combination can lead to liver damage. (see: http://www.rxlist.com/tylenol-drug.htm)

Combos:

There are many forms of combination drugs available on the market. A common combination is acetaminophen, aspirin and caffeine. The acetaminophen being used as a fever and pain reducer with aspirin being used to reduce the substances in your body that cause the inflammation and subsequent pain. Caffeine is added to increase the time to relief is felt and increase the effects of the combination of aspirin and acetaminophen.

Other ingredients may be added to common NSAID and non-NSAID drugs to aid in sinus pain relief, allergy pain relief and as a sleep aid. For best results familiarize yourself with the ingredients in your chosen medication and the side effects it may have as well as the possible adverse interactions with other medications you are taking.