The Side-Effects of Over-The-Counter Drugs

We rely solely on common pain relievers for every day aches and pains. Since they were from the big name makers, sometimes we don't even bother to read the label. Often, we are overwhelmed with so many different types of over the counter medicines that we just take the pill and forget it.

Below are the four most common over the counter pain relievers in the market, and their side effects. Before you pop the pill, make sure you know the key differences among them.

Since these are over the counter drugs, the pharmacists are your best friend. Talk to them before buying to figure out what is best for your condition.

Tylenol (Acetaminophen)

Use for: This is best for fever and pain, and it lasts for 4 to 6 hours. It is also good for minor sprains and aches.

Side effects: If you take more than eight extra-strength pills in two days, and have more than seven drinks a week, it might cause liver damage. People with pre-existing liver condition, and drink alcohol regularly, should consult the pharmacists.

Caution: Keep in mind that it's easy to use too much by taking two or more medicines with acetaminophen, like Tylenol Plus, NyQuil, or Benadryl Allergy/Cold, and prescriptions like Vicodin or Percocet.

Advil or Motrin (Ibuprofen)

Use for: Advil is best for menstrual cramps, fever, sprains, and joint pain that linked to osteoarthritis. It lasts for 4 to 6 hours.

Side effects: It might cause gas, bloating, stomach pain, heartburn, dizziness, and constipation. Prolonged use can cause ulcers, elevated blood pressure, kidney, and liver damage, and in rare cases, stroke or heart attack.

Caution: If you have pre-existing heart or kidney disease, have hypertension, diabetes, ulcers, or bleeding problems, and take diuretics, consult the pharmacists.

Take with food but not with milk. Use ibuprofen 8 hours before or at least 30 minutes after taking aspirin. Otherwise, aspirin is less effective for the heart.

Bayer, St. Joseph, Bufferin, Ecotrin (Aspirin)

Use for: It is best for fever, pain, and inflammation. There is evidence that at low doses (80 mg) daily can prevent heart attack and stroke, but you should make sure to check with your doctor if aspirin is right for you. High doses relieve pain, but experts prefer the other choices.

Side effects: It might cause stomach pain, heartburn, dizziness, and constipation. Prolonged use can cause ulcers, kidney and liver damage.

Caution: If you have diabetes, bleeding disorder such as hemophilia, or pre-existing liver or stomach condition, or if you are taking corticosteroids such as prednisone, or blood pressure medication, consult your pharmacists.

Taking low dose aspirin with food lowers the amount absorbed, but it doesn't eliminate the risks to your stomach.

Aleve (Naproxen)

Use for: It is best for pain, fever, inflammation, joint pain linked to osteoarthritis, and preventing mouth pain if taken before dental work. Aleve lasts for 8 to 12 hours, and may be a good drug for all day relief.

Side effects: It might cause stomach pain, heartburn, dizziness, and constipation. Prolonged use may cause ulcers, elevated blood pressure, kidney and liver damage, and in rare cases, heart attack and stroke. Aleve has the same side effect as Advil or Motrin, so talk to the pharmacists.

Caution: Take naproxen with food to lower the risk of gastrointestinal problems, but not with milk, which increases acid production in the stomach and can actually make stomach irritation worse.

Before you take any over the counter medicine, it is advised that you weigh the benefits and the potential risks. These four common pain relievers have been in our home for so long that we came to depend on them without realizing the side effects.

Also, it is possible you might be allergic to over the counter painkillers. Many of these drugs contain the same active ingredients, and if you have symptoms such as hives, trouble breathing, or throwing up, go to the emergency room immediately.

Read the label carefully, and never exceed the recommended daily doses.