Chronic Pain Today

Jul 04 2008

Differences between NSAIDs and Acetaminophen

Published by tinasam at 4:23 pm under Pain Meds, pain management Edit This

OTC (Over the counter) pain relievers have two main types; they are either NSAIDs or they are made with acetaminophen. OTC pain medications are analgesics. The word comes from the Greek an which means without and the word algos which means pain.

NSAIDS - these include all types of aspirin, ketoprofen, naproxen sodium, and ibuprofen. NSAIDs (or non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs) relieve pain and lessen the inflammation. While NSAIDS help more problems they are only for short term use due to prolonged side effects.

Acetaminophen - This drug goes under different brand names but they are all the same medicine. These will reduce pain but not the inflammation. It has the fewest side effects of OTC medications. Acetaminophen is the better choice for longer term usage.

For more prolonged information on NSAIDS and Acetaminophen check out the following blog posts:

http://chronicpain.today.com/2008/06/07/what-is-acetaminophen/

http://chronicpain.today.com/2008/06/07/what-are-nsaids/

4 Responses to “Differences between NSAIDs and Acetaminophen”

# Erikaon 05 Jul 2008 at 3:41 pm edit this

Thanks for such clear definitions and explanations of the differences between the two. I had no idea that asprin was considered an NSAID.
# Laurie Ashtonon 06 Jul 2008 at 5:50 am edit this

Me, too. But I’ve always been a bit murky on what an NSAID was. Too bad none of them work for me… On to read your pain management post…
# ffon 06 Jul 2008 at 5:47 pm edit this

Hi Laurie - I’m in the same boat as you - these medications don’t do a darn thing for my pain.
# chronicchickon 09 Jul 2008 at 10:25 am edit this

What a great website! I’d love to add you our blogroll! You have a lot of really good information. Thanks for the hard work!

www.chronicchicks.com