OTC Pain Relievers:
                                        How They Work, How to Take Them

Did you know that many of the different OTC pain relievers and cough/cold and allergy products on the market actually contain the same ingredients? Many OTC drugs share the same basic “active ingredient,” and it’s important to know what’s in your medicine before you take it. It’s helpful to know that almost all OTC pain relievers, cough-cold, and allergy products contain one of four common pain relievers. These ingredients are:

Acetaminophen

Aspirin

Ibuprofen

Naproxen Sodium

Shortcuts:

Mixing OTCs and Alcohol

Mixing OTCs and Pregnancy

Drug Interactions

Glossary of Terms

Take Medicine Seriously

Although OTC products are safe when taken according to the directions on their labels, they are still powerful medicines that must be taken with care. It is also important to know that many common prescription pain medicines also contain the same ingredients used in OTC pain and cough/cold products. This makes it even more important that you know what’s in the medicines you take, and how to take them correctly. 

Check the Label!

Over-the-counter (OTC) medicines are required to carry the Drug Facts Label so you can easily find the “active ingredients,” as well as the indications and directions for taking each medicine correctly. The Drug Facts label is there for a reason: so you will have the facts to select the most appropriate OTC products and to understand each drug’s risks and benefits.

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