Nsaids vs. Acetaminophen: What do you have to know before your next headache

Most households have a painkillers’ headache for stubbornness or stubborn ramps.

But some may not realize that all painkillers do not create the same and do not treat the same type of pain.

Type of soothing

According to Medline Plus, free sale soothing (OTC) falls into two main categories.

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The first is the Aine (non -steroidal anti -inflammatory drugs) such as ibuprofen and naproxene.

“This reduces both pain and inflammation, but they can irritate the stomach if not taken with food,” Dr. Jessica Oswald, MD, MPH, anesthesiologist and pain management specialist at UC San Diego Health, told Fox News News.

The other medication, acetaminofen, also helps with pain and fever, but does not reduce inflammation, said Oswald.

Dr. Min “Frank” Wu, an Adventhealth doctor in Littleton, Colorado, elaborated how these drugs work differently.

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Aine are effective in treating fever and pain relief, the doctor told Fox News Digital.

These medications can relieve several symptoms related to arthritis, infection, back injuries, headaches and muscle strains, along with other acute and chronic conditions that cause pain and inflammation.

“Aine work by inhibiting cyclooxigenase enzymes (COX-1 and COX-2) throughout the body,” he said, which means that they inhibit the production of “biological mediators” that cause inflammation and blood coagulation.

Acetaminofen, on the other hand, works by “inhibiting cox enzymes and modulating the endocannabinoid system in the central nervous system (brain and marrow) to exert its effects,” said Wu.

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As a relief of pain, acetaminofen is effective for migraines, according to the doctor.

“In combination, many European agencies recommend acetaminopen/caffeine as a front -line agent,” he said.

The effectiveness of acetaminofen by arthritic pain, however, is small and not clinically important, according to WU.

“It has not been shown to be effective for back pain or root pain (nervous pain) in general,” he added.

The power of combination

Wu said that acetaminofen seems to increase the properties of the relief of the pain of other medicines.

“It has been shown that the combination of acetaminofen and Aines is more effective than any of the medicines,” Wu said.

Oswald also talked about this method, which he calls a “multimodal” approach.

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“In many cases, combining different types of soothing can be more effective than using a,” he told Fox News Digital.

For example, an aine like ibuprofen along with acetaminofen and a topical cream “can work together to relieve pain more effectively,” said Oswald.

Risks and precautions

Research has shown that the AINA have many adverse effects and should be used with caution, both doctors pointed out.

“It has been shown to cause gastrointestinal problems and, in severe cases, can cause ulcers and bleeding,” said Wu.

These side effects seem to depend on the size of the dose, added the doctor.

“In many cases, combining different types of soothing may be more effective than using a.”

There is evidence of increasing gastric effects, deterioration of the kidneys and heart disease at higher doses. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of the United States has also published warnings on cardiovascular risk.

At high enough doses, it can (less frequently) cause liver damage, which can be potentially fatal, according to WU.

Oswald recommended that people with certain health conditions, such as kidney problems, heart problems or stomach ulcers, should talk to a doctor before using Aine.

Acetaminofen has been linked to a potential risk of liver injuries and allergic reactions, according to the FDA. Rare but severe reactions of the skin have also been reported.

“Acetaminofen is generally safer for most people, provided less than 3,000 milligrams daily,” added Oswald.

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After weighing the advantages and risks, the doctor said that people should keep the two types of OTC drugs at home “absolutely”.

“Having some different options allows you to manage pain more effectively by directing it in different ways,” he said.

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Ultimately, if the pain does not improve or continues to return, it is best to consult a healthcare professional who can value the cause and discuss other treatment options, including recipe medicines.