There are lots of oral over-the-counter products available to treat pain and fever, and when choosing a product there are two main things to consider:
This article takes a closer look at some of the suitability issues you should consider when selecting a pain and fever reliever.
The age of the person needing pain relief is an important factor to consider when choosing a pain reliever. Care needs to be taken when giving any medication to children, as the way they respond to medication is different to the way that adults react. For example, while an adult can take aspirin, this should be avoided in children under the age of 12 (or 16 years in some circumstances).
The most commonly used over-the-counter pain relievers that can be used in children under the age of 12 are paracetamol and ibuprofen. Both products are equally effective in relieving pain and fever in children, including high fevers. Paracetamol can be given to children from the age of 1 month. Ibuprofen can be given from the age of three months.
Older people also need to take care when choosing a pain reliever. As we age, our bodies don’t work as well as they used to. In addition to suffering from health problems, such as aching joints or heart disease, as we age are also more likely to experience side effects when taking another medication. For older people, it’s important to choose a pain reliever that is appropriate for you having regard to your own health problems or other medications you may be taking. Some experts often recommend paracetamol as their preferred pain reliever of choice for mild to moderate pain in older people because it offers proven pain relief with a low risk of side effects.
It's important to read the label carefully before choosing an OTC pain reliever. In Australia, it has been found that one in 5 people are not able to use ibuprofen while only 2% of people are not able to use paracetamol. These people should seek healthcare advice before use*.
* Clarke GD et al. lnt J Pharm Pract 2008;16:1−4 (Sponsored by GSK).
Stomach problems. If you have a stomach ulcer or have had a stomach ulcer in the past, you should avoid NSAIDs.
Heart and high blood pressure problems. Anyone with a history of severe heart failure should avoid NSAIDs. The exception is low-dose aspirin, which is used to help prevent a further heart attack in people who have had one before. Where other types of high blood pressure are a factor, it’s important to speak to your doctor or pharmacist, as NSAIDs can cause some side effects. In addition, paracetamol may be a suitable choice for people with heart or high blood pressure problems.
Bleeding problems. Anyone with a medical condition that increases the risk of bleeding, may need to take care before taking NSAIDs. That’s because they can affect the way the blood clots. Paracetamol may be suitable for you. However, if you have to take blood-thinning medication, it’s best to speak to your doctor or pharmacist as all over-the-counter pain relievers can affect the way some of these medicines work.
Kidney problems. NSAIDs and paracetamol should be used with caution if you have kidney problems. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist for advice regarding the use of over-the-counter pain relievers if you have serious kidney problems.
Liver problems. Take care to consult a doctor or pharmacist for advice about severe liver problems, as both paracetamol and NSAIDs have the potential to affect the way the liver functions.
Only use pain relievers as directed and follow the product label at all times.
Pregnant women. If you’re pregnant, it’s best not to take any medication as there is a risk that the medication may be passed on to the unborn baby and cause problems. Aspirin should be avoided in pregnancy except under specialist advice, and most other NSAIDs cannot be used after 30 weeks gestation. Paracetamol can be used, but like all medication taken during pregnancy, you should speak to your doctor, pharmacist or midwife for advice first.
Other medication can interact with pain relievers, affect the way they work, or lead to side effects.
It’s important to find a pain reliever that eases pain and without causing other problems. Always read the label of your medication to make sure the pain reliever is suitable. If you’re still not sure, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice.