Over-the-Counter Painkillers Recommendation: The Safest and Most Effective Choices with Usage Guide

Pain is a common issue in daily life, and choosing the right over-the-counter (OTC) pain reliever can quickly ease discomfort. This article recommends the safest and most effective OTC painkillers and provides usage guidelines, side effect comparisons, and suitable scenarios to help you manage common pains such as headaches, muscle aches, and menstrual cramps scientifically.

1. Top 5 Recommended Over-the-Counter Painkillers

1. Ibuprofen

• Applicable pain: Headache, toothache, muscle soreness, menstrual pain, arthritis
• Onset time: 30–60 minutes
• Duration: 4–6 hours
• Recommended brands: Fenbid, Motrin
• Price reference: ¥15–30 per box (24 tablets)
• Advantages: Good anti-inflammatory effect, suitable for inflammation-related pain
• Disadvantages: May irritate the stomach, not suitable on an empty stomach

2. Paracetamol (Acetaminophen)

• Applicable pain: Headache, cold and fever, mild joint pain
• Onset time: 30 minutes
• Duration: 4–6 hours
• Recommended brands: Tylenol, Panadol
• Price reference: ¥10–25 per box (20 tablets)
• Advantages: Low stomach irritation, suitable for sensitive stomachs
• Disadvantages: Overdose may cause liver damage; do not exceed 4g per day

3. Aspirin

• Applicable pain: Headache, toothache, mild fever
• Onset time: 45 minutes
• Duration: 4–6 hours
• Recommended brand: Bayer Aspirin
• Price reference: ¥20–40 per box (30 tablets)
• Advantages: Can prevent blood clots (at low doses)
• Disadvantages: May cause stomach bleeding; use cautiously in children

4. Naproxen

• Applicable pain: Menstrual pain, arthritis, muscle strains
• Onset time: 1 hour
• Duration: 8–12 hours
• Recommended brand: Aleve
• Price reference: ¥30–50 per box (12 tablets)
• Advantages: Long-lasting pain relief, suitable for chronic pain
• Disadvantages: Higher cardiovascular risks; not suitable for long-term use

5. Diclofenac Sodium

• Applicable pain: Joint pain, sprains, toothache
• Onset time: 30 minutes
• Duration: 6–8 hours
• Recommended brand: Voltaren
• Price reference: ¥25–45 per box (12 tablets)
• Advantages: Strong anti-inflammatory effect, suitable for acute pain
• Disadvantages: May raise blood pressure; use cautiously in heart patients

2. How to Choose the Right Painkiller for Yourself?

1. Choose according to pain type

2. Choose based on personal health condition

• Sensitive stomach → Paracetamol (least irritating)
• Heart disease / Hypertension → Avoid Naproxen and Diclofenac Sodium
• Liver disease → Use Paracetamol with caution
• Pregnant women → Paracetamol is safest (Ibuprofen is contraindicated in late pregnancy)

3. Precautions When Using OTC Painkillers

1. Avoid mixing different painkillers

• Paracetamol + Ibuprofen → May increase liver and kidney burden
• Aspirin + Ibuprofen → Increased risk of stomach bleeding

2. Do not exceed maximum dosage

3. Watch out for side effects

• Stomach discomfort: Ibuprofen and Aspirin may cause stomach pain; it is recommended to take them with food
• Liver damage: Overdose of Paracetamol is the most dangerous
• Allergic reactions: Such as rash or difficulty breathing, stop use immediately and seek medical help

4. Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can painkillers be taken long-term?

❌ Not recommended! OTC painkillers should not be used continuously for more than 3–5 days; chronic pain requires medical consultation.

Q2: Which painkiller works fastest?

Ibuprofen and Paracetamol generally start working within 30 minutes, but individual results may vary.

Q3: Can children use adult painkillers?

Children should use pediatric formulations (such as Motrin suspension) and dosages calculated by weight.

Q4: Can painkillers be taken with alcohol?

Absolutely not! It increases risks of liver damage and stomach bleeding.

5. Summary: 5 Principles for Safe Use of Painkillers

1. Choose medication based on symptoms (see table in section 2)
2. Strictly follow dosage instructions (do not exceed daily limits)
3. Avoid mixing different painkillers
4. Those with sensitive stomachs should choose Paracetamol
5. Seek medical advice if pain persists for more than 3 days

Kind reminder: Painkillers only relieve symptoms; persistent pain should be investigated for underlying causes. Use medications responsibly and prioritize health!