How many painkillers can I take?

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 is important not to exceed the maximum daily dose.

Examples of common pain relief medications include:

• naproxen (Aleve)
• aspirin (Disprin)
• diclofenac (Cataflam)
• ibuprofen (Advil)
• acetaminophen (Tylenol)

Each medication will have a different maximum dose. It is 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.

If you need help covering the cost of medications, the free Optum Perks Discount Card could help you save up to 80% on prescription drugs. Follow the links on drug names for savings on that medication, or search for a specific drug here.

When should you take painkillers?

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.

However, speak with a doctor if you still feel the need to take them for 4 days or longer.

There are two main types of OTC pain relief medications. These are pain relievers 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.

If you want to take an OTC NSAID for an injury, like a strained muscle, consider waiting 48 hours first to check whether the pain and inflammation reduce on their own. Taking NSAIDs before this may affect your healing process.

Safe dosage

It is 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:

Risks 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 is 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 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 over 4 days, 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 find yourself needing to take them for longer than 4 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 is possible to overdose on OTC pain relievers, so it is important to follow the dosage instructions that come with the medication.

Download the free Optum Perks Discount Card to save up to 80% on some prescription medications.