Jul 04 2008
Differences between NSAIDs and Acetaminophen
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/
Hi Laurie - I’m in the same boat as you - these medications don’t do a darn thing for my pain.