Many of us get confused.

Which is best for muscle aches? What do I take when my head hurts? Does this work on a fever?

There are so many brand-name and generic products on the shelves, it's good to know which targets what before you need one.

Tara Whetsel, a clinical assistant professor in West Virginia University's department of clinical pharmacy, said there aren't really a million products out there.

In fact, pain relievers fall into groups: acetominaphen and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Under the NSAID category fall aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen and ketoprofen (which is no longer available over the counter).

Whetsel said aspirin is largely used now in treating heart conditions, and less as a pain reliever as it can cause stomach ulcers and bleeding.

It's getting easier, isn't it?

If you eliminate what you can't get and what you shouldn't take, you're down to three pain relievers: acetominaphen (or Tylenol, if you're into brand names), ibuprofen (brand names include Advil and Motrin), and naproxen (Aleve).

And don't be confused about liquicaps, caplets, tablets and capsules. That's all about personal preference -- keep trying them until you find the one you like best or that's the easiest for you to swallow.

But still the mystery: What do you take for what?

Acetominaphen doesn't affect inflammation or swelling, Whetsel said, though it's good for all types of pain or fever. It's good for headaches and is the first defense against arthritis pain.

According to familydoctor.org, a Web site of the American Academy of Family Physicians, most any one can safely take acetaminophen.

Whetsel said it's the easiest on the stomach.

But Acetominaphen "can cause liver damage in people who take very high doses or who already have abnormal liver function," according to the Web site. It recommends, for adults and children over 12, "a maximum of 8 extra-strength or 12 regular-strength pills a day."

Ibuprofen and naproxen are good for pain, too. "Some respond better to one than another," Whetsel said.

"Ibuprofen is helpful for menstrual cramps and pain from inflammation (such as muscle sprains)," familydoctor.org advised. "If ibuprofen doesn't work for you, naproxen and ketoprofen may be options."

And aspirin is used primarily as protection for the heart. "It thins the blood a little bit, so it reduces the risk of blood clots that can cause heart attacks," Whetsel said. "Its not so much used for pain any more because of the risk of stomach pain and bleeding. It's been replaced by other pain relievers."

There's a hitch there, though.

If you're taking aspirin to prevent blood clots, don't take ibuprofen for pain.

There is some evidence, Whetsel said, that it will thwart the mission of the aspirin.

The solution: Take acetominaphen or naproxen.

The main thing, Whetsel said, is to "realize these are medications and need to be taken seriously. Follow the directions. Don't assume that because you can get it without a prescription, that you can take whatever amount. If the pain persists, see your doctor and get a proper diagnosis."

As for brand names versus generics, Whetsel suggests saving yourself some money. "We recommend the generics," she said.

There is no difference between generic pain relievers and brand names.

Source: The Dominion Post. Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services. Powered by Yellowbrix.

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