OTC drugs: chronic pain

TYLENOL

For pain lasting longer than three months—from arthritis or a back injury, for example—talk with your doctor about treatment options. If you need a pain reliever, the best first choice is usually the active ingredient in Tylenol, acetaminophen. It has a good track record for safety and works about as well as strong prescription drugs. Just keep in mind that for adults, the maximum recommended dose is 4 grams, or eight extra-strength (500-milligram) tablets in 24 hours.

 

Acetaminophen has a rare but serious risk of liver damage, so if you need it every day, talk with your doctor. The risk is greater for people who drink heavily or have existing liver problems. Older people should consider limiting its use to less than the daily maximum amount.

 

If acetaminophen doesn’t do enough to control your pain or if you have signs of inflammation—redness, swelling, or tenderness—try an NSAID such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, and generic) or naproxen (Aleve and generic). NSAIDs also work well against mild-to-moderate pain but can cause stomach upset and bleeding if you use them long-term.