Why you should avoid over the counter pain-killers?

Pain is one of the most common symptoms in several ailments. So, managing pain, or providing quick relief from pain, becomes a challenge for both the patient and the care-givers. This has created an entire category of over-the-counter pain-killers which can be purchased without a prescription. The easy access to these drugs and the quick relief they provide from pain comes as a blessing to the patient and family.

However, there are risks inherent in this. Most of these pain-killers can create strong and harmful side-effects if taken recklessly, or without medical supervision. Further, some of them react with a medication you are taking for other ailments. Also, caution must be exercised while administering these to children and elders, especially if their immune system is compromised. Hence this article is to educate you on the benefits and risks of these drugs.

Types of OTC pain-killers

Analgesics or pain-killers are of different types. Those that are taken upon prescription can be divided into non –narcotic analgesics, NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)., narcotic analgesics, pain–relieving patches and local applications, antidepressants, and  rarely, corticosteroids.

But over-the-counter (OTC) painkillers are generally the following:

• Acetaminophen (brand names: Tylenol/Paracetamol/Panadol): This works on the hypothalamus in the brain to reduce fever and pain. It also works on the serotonin pathways in the Central Nervous System that delivers/receives pain-messages and suppresses these messages. Acetaminophen reduces fever and pain caused by muscle-aches or stiffness.
• NSAIDs such as Ibuprofen (brand names: Motrin, Advil), Naproxen (brand names: Aleve, Naprosyn), and Aspirin: These reduce the production of hormone-like substances called prostaglandins that cause pain. Like acetaminophen, these also reduce fever and pain caused by muscle-aches or stiffness. Further, as the name implies, they reduce inflammation (redness, irritation, and swelling) which acetaminophen cannot do.
• Topical pain-relieving creams, gels, or sprays such as Diclofenac, Aspercreme, and Capzasin-P: These block the chemicals that deliver pain messages to the brain.

Risks associated with pain-killers

While OTCs provide quick relief, there are various risks associated with reckless use; that is, using them at the mildest sensation of pain, or using them over the recommended dosage. Short and long-term risks include:

• Acetaminophen – Although safe in general, this medication can damage the liver and kidneys when too much of it is used. Adults shouldn’t consume more than 3,000 milligrams per day. Over 3 gms a day, they are even toxic and can cause liver damage and failure.
• Further, several medicines are given for cold, cough, or flu also contain this drug, so you are at risk of double dosage when you take these medicines along with the pain-killer.
• Acetaminophen should not be taken by people with liver disease, people who consume alcoholic beverages regularly as well as those who are allergic to this drug
• Using NSAIDs increases the risk of heart attack or stroke and have also been known to cause stomach ulcers and bleeding in the stomach, intestine, or colon, as well as fluid retention. They can also cause kidney problems and are known to interfere with medication taken for high or low BP.
• Further, aspirin should not be taken with other NSAIDs unless prescribed by a doctor as this can cause complications. Aspirin can  provoke bleeding in patients taking blood thinners
• Aspirin should not be given to children suffering from influenza, chicken-pox, and any viral infection. This can increase the risk of Reye’s syndrome which affects the brain and liver.
• The following people should avoid the use of NSAIDs: those who have a history of heartburn, ulcers, or bleeding., have asthma, liver, or kidney disease, have high BP or heart disease, are 60 years of age and above, are allergic to these NSAIDs, or take medications such as blood-thinners, steroids; aspirin and diuretics.

Conclusion

As the name implies, one can buy an over-the-counter pain-killer or pain reliever at will. However, pain management is not that simple and is a complex subject best handled by doctors. These OTC pain-killers should only be taken as the last resort when emergency medical care is not accessible.

If you or any of your dear ones are experiencing pain due to one or more conditions, rush to a reputed hospital. A general physician will analyze your condition quickly and direct you to a relevant specialist. The specialist will conduct various tests on you and design the best course of treatment for quick recovery and rehabilitation.

 

Kauvery Hospital is globally known for its multidisciplinary services at all its Centers of Excellence, and for its comprehensive, Avant-Grade technology, especially in diagnostics and remedial care in heart diseases, transplantation, vascular and neurosciences medicine. Located in the heart of Trichy (Tennur, Royal Road and Alexandria Road (Cantonment), Chennai, Hosur, Salem, Tirunelveli and Bengaluru, the hospital also renders adult and pediatric trauma care.

Chennai – 044 4000 6000 • Trichy – Cantonment – 0431 4077777 • Trichy – Heartcity – 0431 4003500 • Trichy – Tennur – 0431 4022555 • Hosur – 04344 272727 • Salem – 0427 2677777 • Tirunelveli – 0462 4006000 • Bengaluru – 080 6801 6801