$Unique_ID{BRK00922}
$Pretitle{Community and Social Problems}
$Title{Which Painkiller Should One Take When Pains and Aches Get Out of Hand?}
$Subject{painkiller analgesics types}
$Volume{Q}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Which Painkiller Should One Take When Pains and Aches Get Out of Hand?


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QUESTION:  I am totally confused by all the different brands of painkillers on
the market and their advertising claims.  They can't all be the best one, yet
that is what they seem to say.  Can you tell me which one I should take when
my pains and aches get out of hand?

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ANSWER:  I am mixed up sometimes too, and I am supposed to know the
differences that exist between the different pain preparations available over
the counter without prescription.  It becomes a bit simpler, however, when you
realize that all the different names and claims concern only three basic
medications, aspirin, acetaminophen and ibuprofen Aspirin (principle
ingredient is acetylsalicylic acid) known as Bayer, St. Joseph and Bufferin
among others has been with us the longest.  It is a useful pain medication to
reduce muscle aches, headaches and toothaches, is effective in controlling
menstrual cramps, long used as a medication for arthritis, will help lower a
fever, and has of late been recommend as a prevention of heart attacks (which
it does by acting on blood platelets and reducing clot formation.  However it
may cause stomach ulcers and gastrointestinal bleeding.  Acetaminophen is the
active ingredient in Tylenol, Anacin 3, Panadol and other medications
sometimes advertised as  "non-aspirin" pain medications.  It will relive a
headache, is useful in the flu season, help reduce a fever and ease a muscle
strain, but it is not an anti-inflammatory drug and will not reduce a
swelling.  It is only of limited use for arthritis and when the cause of pain
is due to the production of prostaglandins by the body (as in menstrual
cramps), this product which is not a prostaglandin inhibitor, will not work
well.  Ibuprofen is the latest kid on the block, and is the medication found
in Nuprin, Mediprin, Advil and Motrin (by prescription only in higher doses).
It is a potent anti prostaglandin and is effective, not only for general aches
and pains, but particularly useful for inflammatory situations such as and
arthritis and severe muscle injuries and sprains.  It can cause stomach
irritation, and is best taken after meals or when the stomach is full.  My
best advice to you is to try a product, and stick to it if it works well for
your problem.  Switching around between similar products with different brand
names is a waste of both time and money.
ÿ
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
