Self What s the Best Pain Reliever You Can Buy at the Pharmacy Skip to main content Close Select your preferred language English عربى 简体中文 繁體中文 فارسي עִברִית 日本語 한국어 Русский Español Tagalog Menu Close Call 1-800-CEDARS-1 toggle search form Close Los Angeles, 26 April 2022 09:00 AM America/Los_Angeles Self What s the Best Pain Reliever You Can Buy at the Pharmacy For a mild headache, acetaminophen and ibuprofen both can be effective, and patients should take whichever medication offers the best relief, says Cedars-Sinai hospitalist Nicole Van Groningen, MD. Photo by Getty Images. Self recently interviewed Cedars-Sinai hospitalist Nicole Van Groningen, MD, about the pain relievers that best treat migraines, period cramps, fevers and other common complaints. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) are one type of pain reliever that includes medications such as ibuprofen (Advil and Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve). These pain relievers can treat pain from muscle aches and stiffness, inflammation from injuries, and menstrual cramps. “For women with significant menstrual pain and predictable periods, I recommend starting ibuprofen and naproxen a day or two before your period starts,” Van Groningen told Self. Taking an NSAID like ibuprofen before the pain begins can help women stay ahead of the pain. But Van Groningen advised those with a history of G.I. or kidney issues to avoid this class of drug entirely due to its side effects. Acetaminophen is another type of pain reliever that works best on headaches, minor aches and pains, and fevers. Unlike NSAIDs, acetaminophen won’t cause stomach issues but can still be harmful if overused. “Be careful taking it if you’re taking cold and flu medications,” Van Groningen told Self. “These often contain acetaminophen, so if you’re taking max doses of acetaminophen and cold medicine, you could be overdoing it and risking liver damage.” For a mild headache, acetaminophen and ibuprofen both can be effective. Van Groningen recommended taking whichever medication offers the best relief. But it's best to only take them a few times a week. “If you’re taking these medications more than that, it can lead to a medication overuse headache, which only goes away when you stop taking the medication,” Van Groningen told Self. For more severe pain, such as intense and throbbing head pain, sharp jolts after a fall, or abdominal pain, patients should visit the emergency room, urgent care or their primary care doctor. Click here to read the complete article from Self. Related Stories RSS feed - Related Stories (opens in new window) View all headlines - Related Stories HealthDay Black Women Less Likely to Get Laparoscopic Fibroid Surgeries October 07, 2022 09:00 AM America/Los_Angeles HealthDay recently interviewed Rebecca J. Schneyer, MD, a resident in the Obstetrics and Gynecology Residency Program at Cedars-Sinai, about a study she led that found Black and Hispanic women were less likely than white women to receive minimally … Read more KCRW Want New Omicron Booster Wait at Least 2 Months After Last Shot October 06, 2022 09:00 AM America/Los_Angeles KCRW program Press Play recently featured Rita Shane, PharmD, vice president and chief pharmacy officer at Cedars-Sinai, discussing who qualifies for the updated COVID-19 booster and how long patients must wait before getting the shot.The Centers … Read more ABC 7 Spider-Man Swings by 4-Year-Old Leukemia Patient s Birthday Party at Cedars-Sinai September 30, 2022 09:00 AM America/Los_Angeles ABC 7 recently profiled Cedars-Sinai patient Jabari Henley, who celebrated his fourth birthday with a special superhero at Guerin Children's newly opened inpatient facility.The Lifedriven Foundation helped throw Henley a surprise party in the Guerin … Read more Show previous items Show next items Contact the Media Team Email: [email protected] Share this release Self What s the Best Pain Reliever You Can Buy at the Pharmacy Share on: Twitter Share on: Facebook Share on: LinkedIn Search Our Newsroom Social media Visit our Facebook page (opens in new window) Follow us on Twitter (opens in new window) Visit our Youtube profile (opens in new window) (opens in new window) Latest news 07 Oct 2022 - HealthDay Black Women Less Likely to Get Laparoscopic Fibroid Surgeries 07 Oct 2022 - Faculty Publications: Sept. 29-Oct. 6 07 Oct 2022 - Fine-Tuning Organ-Chip Technology 06 Oct 2022 - KCRW Want New Omicron Booster Wait at Least 2 Months After Last Shot 05 Oct 2022 - Cedars-Sinai Schedules Free Flu Vaccine Clinics 04 Oct 2022 - Cedars-Sinai Showcases Hispanic and Latinx Art Newsroom Home