These medicines are called fever reducers.
Active ingredients include: acetaminophen, aspirin (Acetylsalicylic acid is another name for aspirin), ibuprofen, ketoprofen, and naproxen sodium
General information:
- Internal analgesics are available in both OTC and prescription strengths and generally are used to help relieve pain or reduce fevers.
- Many OTC cold medications treat multiple symptoms of the common cold. These are called multi-symptom relief or combination products and contain more than one active ingredient, sometimes including an internal analgesic for fever or aches and pains from a cold or flu.
- The internal analgesics aspirin, ibuprofen, ketoprofen, and naproxen sodium also can reduce inflammation and are called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines or NSAIDs.
- Always keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
Important tips:
- Always read and follow the label before use, paying particular attention to the warnings section and directions for use.
- Never use an analgesic product longer than the label instructs or at higher doses, unless your doctor specifically tells you to.
- Do not use more than one acetaminophen-containing medicine (prescription or OTC) at the same time. Taking too much acetaminophen could put you at risk of an overdose and liver damage.
- If you think you may have taken or given too much of an active ingredient, contact a healthcare professional or the national poison control hotline (800.222.1222) immediately.
- Do not take more than one medicine containing an NSAID (aspirin, ibuprofen, ketoprofen, or naproxen sodium) at the same time.
- NSAIDs (aspirin, ibuprofen, ketoprofen, and naproxen sodium) can cause bleeding problems.
- If fever gets worse or last more than three days, see your healthcare professional.
- Talk to a healthcare professional before using more than one internal analgesic medication at the same time, regardless of the particular active ingredient.
- Aspirin-containing products should not be given to children or teenagers for cold or flu symptoms, unless under the direction of a doctor.
- If symptoms get worse or you experience an allergic reaction, stop use and contact your healthcare provider immediately.
More information on acetaminophen, aspirin, ibuprofen, ketoprofen, and naproxen sodium can be found
here.
Headaches and Minor Aches and Pains
These medicines are sometimes broadly called pain relievers but fall into two categories: internal analgesics and external analgesics. Internal analgesics are taken by mouth for headaches and minor aches and pains from such issues as headache, arthritis, and menstrual cramps. External analgesics are applied to the skin and include creams, ointments, rubs, and patches for muscle or joint pain, or pain associated with minor skin irritations.
Internal analgesic active ingredients include: acetaminophen, aspirin, ibuprofen, ketoprofen, and naproxen sodium. OTC nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (also known as NSAIDs) include the active ingredients ibuprofen, ketoprofen, naproxen sodium, and aspirin. (Acetylsalicylic acid is another name for aspirin.) All these ingredients also are fever reducers and can be found in both OTC and prescription medicines.
General information:
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (also known as NSAIDs), those ingredients that also reduce inflammation, refer to aspirin, ibuprofen, ketoprofen, and naproxen sodium.
- Many OTC medications treat multiple symptoms. These are called combination products and contain more than one active ingredient, sometimes including an internal analgesic for minor aches and pains or fever. Be aware of what ingredients you are taking at all times.
- Check with a healthcare professional before using more than one internal analgesic product at the same time.
- Always keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
Important tips:
- Always read and follow the label before use, paying special attention to the warnings section and directions for use.
- Never use longer than the label instructs or at higher doses, unless your doctor specifically tells you to do so. All OTC internal analgesics tell consumers to stop use and talk to a doctor if pain gets worse or lasts more than 10 days.
- Do not take more than one medicine containing an NSAID (aspirin, ibuprofen, ketoprofen, or naproxen sodium) at the same time unless told to do so by a healthcare professional. The risk of severe stomach bleeding can increase if you are taking more than one NSAID medication.
- Do not use more than one acetaminophen-containing medicine (prescription or OTC) at the same time. Taking too much acetaminophen could put you at risk of an overdose and liver damage.
- If you think you may have taken or given too much of an active ingredient, contact a healthcare professional or the national poison control hotline (800.222.1222) immediately.
- Aspirin-containing products should not be given to children or teenagers for cold or flu symptoms, unless under the direction of a doctor.
More information on acetaminophen, aspirin, ibuprofen, ketoprofen, and naproxen sodium can be found
here.
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