Various pain relief medications are available to relieve mild to moderate pain. You can buy them from drug stores and pharmacies over the counter (OTC) without a prescription. These drugs have approval for use in managing short-term pain, but it’s important not to exceed the maximum daily dose.
Examples of common pain relief medications include:
- naproxen (Aleve)
- aspirin (Disprin)
- topical diclofenac (Cataflam)
- ibuprofen (Advil)
- acetaminophen (Tylenol)
Each medication will have a different maximum dose. It’s vital that you do not exceed this, as you will be at risk of an overdose, which can be fatal.
You can check the maximum amount of medication you can safely take by reading the detailed information leaflet inside the drug box.
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When should you take pain medication?
OTC pain relief can help you continue your daily tasks when you may find it difficult. They can provide effective short-term relief for pains like headaches or muscle aches.
Two main types of OTC pain relief medications are available. These are pain relievers, such as aspirin, and anti-inflammatory medications, also known as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Only NSAIDs can reduce inflammation.
You should avoid taking NSAIDs if you:
- have any stomach issues, such as a stomach ulcer
- are unable to eat with the medication, for example, due to illness
- have an allergy to ibuprofen
- are pregnant
You should not take more than one type of NSAID at the same time.
OTC pain medications are generally considered safe, which is why you don’t need a prescription for them. Their side effects are often mild. However, they shouldn’t be used for more than a few days in a row.
Experts recommend stopping ibuprofen and speaking with a doctor if your pain lasts longer than 10 days or your fever lasts longer than 3 days. This is because the medication is not effective for treating your condition, and you may need other treatment. Taking ibuprofen unnecessarily increases the risk of side effects.
The same advice applies to aspirin.
Safe dosage
It’s important to follow the dosing instructions of the individual medication you’re taking. If you go over the safe dose, you’re at risk of experiencing an overdose.
The table below shows the maximum daily dose for adults of common OTC pain relief medications:
| Medication | Dosage |
|---|---|
| Aspirin (Bayer Aspirin) | Take no more than 325 mg every 4 hours. Do not exceed 3,900 mg. |
| Ibuprofen (Advil) | Take no more than 400 mg every 4 to 6 hours. Do not exceed a daily dose of 3200 mg. |
| Naproxen (Aleve) | Take no more than 220 mg every 8 to 12 hours. Do not exceed 660 mg. |
| Acetaminophen (Tylenol) | Take no more than 1000 mg every 4 to 6 hours. Do not exceed 4,000 mg. |
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Get free cardRisks of overdose
The OTC pain relief medications listed above are safe and effective for treating symptoms of colds, flu, and some allergies. Therefore, some combination medications include more than one of these remedies.
This can make it easy to ingest too much of these medications if you are unaware of the ingredients of these combination medications.
It’s important to be careful not to take more than one drug with the same ingredients. For example, you cannot take Tylenol (acetaminophen) to manage your fever and also take a decongestant medication containing acetaminophen. Always read the label of the medication you’re taking.
Taking too much of an OTC pain relief medication like acetaminophen (Tylenol) can lead to several symptoms, such as:
- nausea
- vomiting
- tiredness
- confusion
- fever
- stomach pain
- yellowing of the whites of your eyes
When to speak with a doctor
If you have been taking OTC pain relief medication for more than a few days without improvement, it may be a good idea to contact a doctor. You may need different medication that is better suited for longer periods.
If you notice any of the above symptoms of OTC pain relief overdose, seek medical attention immediately by calling 911.
Summary
Many types of pain relief medications are available to buy OTC at your local drugstore or pharmacy. They are useful for symptoms such as temporary pain or fever. However, if you need to take them for longer than a few days, speak with a doctor.
They will either advise you on how to continue to take the medication safely or recommend a prescription alternative, depending on the cause of your pain.
It’s possible to overdose on OTC pain relievers, so it’s important to follow the dosage instructions that come with the medication.
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