Over the counter painkillers | Which Painkiller? | Bupa UK (2024)

FAQs

What is the best over the counter painkiller combination? ›

The researchers conclude that the most effective pain relief with the fewest side effects comes from a combination of 400 milligrams of ibuprofen (Advil and other brands) with 1,000 milligrams of acetaminophen (Tylenol). No opioid or opioid-containing medicine or any other combination of drugs was more effective.

The most common types of OTC pain medicines are acetaminophen, aspirin, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Opioids such as oxycodone, morphine, and codeine can be used to relieve moderate to severe short-term (acute) pain, such as after surgery or an accident, as well as chronic pain in people with cancer.

What painkillers can I buy? Paracetamol is the most common analgesic (painkiller) you can buy. It is recommended for the treatment of mild pain and comes in tablet, capsule, syrup and soluble forms. Another option is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) preparation, such as ibuprofen.

Naproxen. Naproxen (Aleve) is the most powerful anti-inflammatory pain reliever available without a prescription. It is especially effective for sprains, sunburns and arthritis and other conditions. Similar doses of Naproxen tend to last longer than other non-prescription pain relievers.

Yes, it is safe to take ibuprofen (Advil) and acetaminophen (Tylenol) together if you need to for extra pain relief, such as for a dental extraction. Taking ibuprofen and acetaminophen together works better to relieve pain than taking ibuprofen and acetaminophen separately.

Acetaminophen. Acetaminophen is usually recommended as a first line treatment for mild to moderate pain. It might be taken for pain due to a skin injury, headache, or conditions that affect the muscles and bones. Acetaminophen is often prescribed to help manage osteoarthritis and back pain.

Acetaminophen is considered the safest OTC painkiller for long-term use because it's thought to have fewer side effects than the other options.

Endorphins are the body's natural painkillers. Released by the hypothalamus and pituitary gland in response to pain or stress, this group of peptide hormones both relieves pain and creates a general feeling of well-being. The name of these hormones comes from the term "endogenous morphine."

What is the best non-narcotic pain medication? ›

What are some alternatives to opioids? There are many non-opioid pain medications that are available over the counter or by prescription, such as ibuprofen (Motrin), acetaminophen (Tylenol), aspirin (Bayer), and steroids, and some patients find that these are all they need.

Best for Quick Action. Ibuprofen is a short-acting NSAID that starts working faster than naproxen. 11 This may be better for acute pain, like a new injury. The downside is that ibuprofen has to be taken more often than naproxen.

Naproxen (Aleve) is the strongest NSAID available without a prescription. Pain relief lasts longer, so you do not have to take it as often as ibuprofen (Advil).

Like most NSAIDs, naproxen is mainly recommended for acute back pain. It may be a good option if you're searching for all-day pain relief, as it can provide between 8 and 12 hours of benefit. In a 2015 study , naproxen was shown to be as effective as an opioid combined with acetaminophen for acute low back pain.

Over-the-Counter Painkillers for Toothache

Ibuprofen and Paracetamol can be taken together as they work differently but ibuprofen 600mg is usually the best painkiller for toothache.

Take one first and then four to six hours later take the other. For example, if you wake up around 8 a.m., start off by taking 400 milligrams of ibuprofen and then around noon, take 500 milligrams of acetaminophen. “You can alternate like that every three to four hours throughout the day,” instructs Dr. Horwitz.

Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is usually safer for older adults than other pain medicines. Topical pain medicines (also called topical analgesics) can also help. When common pain medicines don't work to manage pain, your healthcare provider may suggest other medicines, such as antidepressants or anticonvulsants.

The medical community considers it generally safe to take Tylenol and Aleve at the same time. However, alternating doses of Aleve and Tylenol can extend the relief from pain. A person can take one as the other starts to wear off. A person should only take the recommended doses of these medications.