How to Choose Medications for Headache, Fever and Pain?
Tylenol
Contains acetaminophen
What it's good for:
- fever
- headaches
- muscle aches
Side Effects
- Very minimal if any (nausea, headache, stomach pain)
- Least amount of side effects compared to other painkillers
- Can cause liver damage if more than 8 tablets of extra strength (4 grams) is taken in a day particularly with alcohol consumption
Does not have any anti-inflammatory properties, which means it's not very effective in treating joint pain and arthritis.
Can be taken with or without food
Can also be combined with Aleve or Advil
Advil
Contains ibuprofen
What it's good for:
- fever
- toothaches
- migraines
- headaches
- joint pain
- period cramps
Side Effects:
- Stomach upset
- Abdominal pains
- heartburn
- Increase blood pressure
Take with food and a glass of water to reduce stomach upset and heartburn
Avoid if you have any heart issues, uncontrolled blood pressure, liver and kidney problems as Advil may make it worse
Aleve
Contains naproxen
Similar to Advil but effects will last longer
What it's good for:
- joint inflammation
- muscle aches
- headaches,
- period cramps
Side Effects:
- Stomach upset
- Abdominal pains
- heartburn
- Increase blood pressure
Take with food and a glass of water to reduce stomach upset and heartburn
Avoid if you have any heart issues, uncontrolled blood pressure, liver and kidney problems as Advil may make it worse
Aspirin
Contains Acetylsalicylic Acid (ASA)
What it's good for:
- Preventing heart attacks (chew 2 aspirin 81mg at onset of heart attack)
- Taken on a daily basis to reduce risk of stroke and heart attacks
Side effects
- Stomach upset/ulcers
- increased risk of bleeding and bruising
Not recommended for children
Midol
What it's good for:
- menstrual cramps
- period associated aches and pains
- bloating
Side effects:
- drowsiness
- constipation
- dry mouth
Can be taken with or without food
Avoid alcohol if possible while taking this medication as it may cause liver damage if taken together
Children's Medications
Tylenol and Advil liquid are both very good choices. They both come in liquid form for children under 12 and also drops for infants.
What it's good for:
- General aches and pains
- Fever
- Toothaches
- Ear aches
Tylenol has less side effects as Advil can cause stomach upset
Take Advil with food if possible
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