Self-Care Pocket Guide • Things to Read Before Using This Guide
Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medications

Analgesics

We frequently refer you to OTC analgesics in this booklet. Analgesics help reduce fever, pain, and inflammation. We may refer you to different types of analgesics for different kinds of illnesses or injuries. The following is a list of brand names for common analgesics and some things to consider before you take them. When in doubt, consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist.

• Aspirin - (Bayer, St. Joseph, Anacin, Bufferin)
  Aspirin has a blood thinning effect that lasts longer than that of other analgesics. If you drink more than 3 alcoholic beverages a day, consult your healthcare provider before taking an aspirin-containing product, because there is a risk of stomach bleeding. Products containing aspirin shouldn't be taken by those younger than 18 for symptoms related to viral infections (and for 2 weeks after recovery) due to the risk for Reyes Syndrome which can be fatal.
• Ibuprofen - (Advil, Motrin)
  Ibuprofen also has a blood thinning effect, but much less so than aspirin.
• Naproxen Sodium - (Aleve)
  Naproxen also has a blood thinning effect, but much less so than aspirin.
• Acetaminophen - (Tylenol)
  Acetaminophen is generally easier on the stomach than analgesics with aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen and is the preferred analgesic if you have gastrointestinal problems. It's also well suited for those who have bleeding problems or stomach ulcers, because it doesn't have the same blood thinning effect as other analgesics.

Choosing a Brand

Wherever we refer to an OTC medication in this booklet, we give the general descriptive name. We've also created the following table which you may find helpful. Your pharmacist can give you more examples, including generic equivalents that may cost less.

Table of Common Over-the-Counter Medications (PDF document) Adobe Acrobat Reader is needed to view and print the PDF document on this page.

Drug Interactions: Many "alternative" treatments have beneficial effects, but any substance taken by mouth, including herbs, vitamins, and Chinese medicines, should be treated with respect. Alternative medications or herbs may have potentially harmful side effects, reach toxic levels if taken in excess, or interact in a harmful way with other alternative or traditional medications. To prevent potentially dangerous interactions that may occur when you take more than one medication, tell your pharmacist or healthcare provider about any alternative medicines, herbs, OTCs, or prescription medications you're already taking before trying any new traditional or alternative medicine.

Label Reading: Many OTC drugs have the potential to cause harmful effects and interactions, and people with certain health conditions shouldn't take some OTCs. Read labels and package instructions thoroughly. Use products only in the amount and frequency noted in the instructions unless a healthcare provider instructs you to do otherwise. Check expiration dates before purchasing OTCs, and store them as directed.

Single Versus Combination Ingredient Medications: It's more prudent to use single-ingredient OTC medications (those containing only an analgesic, decongestant, or antihistamine) versus those that contain more than one medication. Combination products may cause unnecessary side effects from ingredients you don't need and can result in overmedication if taken with other drugs that contain one or more of the same ingredients.