Over-the-counter pain relief

For everyday aches and pains, everyday pain relievers provide roughly similar benefits, but they don't all get the job done the same way -- and in the case of acetaminophen, we're not quite sure how the job gets done.

Aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen are called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. They work by reducing the production of prostaglandins, which are the substances the body makes when it's injured. Among other things, prostaglandins stimulate nerves to send pain messages to our brains. But if you have a sensitive stomach, beware, all of the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can also can cause stomach problems.

Acetaminophen, on the other hand, conducts its activity in the brain and spinal cord rather than in the skin and muscles. What it does there to reduce the feeling of pain isn't clear, however. Acetaminophen doesn't cause stomach problems, but taking too much of it can cause liver damage.

Resources

Read about pain relievers and other over-the-counter medications in the online Merck Manual.

Find out yet more from an article at Familydoctor.org.

September 21, 2002