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Writer's pictureAoran Zhu

HOW TO CHOOSE MEDICATIONS FOR HEADACHE, FEVER AND PAIN?

TYLENOL



Contains acetaminophen

What it's good for:


  • fever

  • headaches

  • muscle aches


Side Effects


  • Very minimal if any (nausea, headache, stomach pain)

  • Least amount of side effects compared to other painkillers

  • Can cause liver damage if more than 8 tablets of extra strength (4 grams) is taken in a day particularly with alcohol consumption


Does not have any anti-inflammatory properties, which means it's not very effective in treating joint pain and arthritis.

Can be taken with or without food

Can also be combined with Aleve or Advil


ADVIL





Contains ibuprofen

What it's good for:


  • fever

  • toothaches

  • migraines

  • headaches

  • joint pain

  • period cramps

Side Effects:

  • Stomach upset

  • Abdominal pains

  • heartburn

  • Increase blood pressure

Take with food and a glass of water to reduce stomach upset and heartburn

Avoid if you have any heart issues, uncontrolled blood pressure, liver and kidney problems as Advil may make it worse


ALEVE



Contains naproxen

Similar to Advil but effects will last longer

What it's good for:


  • joint inflammation

  • muscle aches

  • headaches,

  • period cramps

Side Effects:

  • Stomach upset

  • Abdominal pains

  • heartburn

  • Increase blood pressure


Take with food and a glass of water to reduce stomach upset and heartburn


Avoid if you have any heart issues, uncontrolled blood pressure, liver and kidney problems as Advil may make it worse


ASPIRIN



Contains Acetylsalicylic Acid (ASA)

What it's good for:


  • Preventing heart attacks (chew 2 aspirin 81mg at onset of heart attack)

  • Taken on a daily basis to reduce risk of stroke and heart attacks

Side effects


  • Stomach upset/ulcers

  • increased risk of bleeding and bruising

Not recommended for children


MIDOL




What it's good for:


  • menstrual cramps

  • period associated aches and pains

  • bloating

Side effects:


  • drowsiness

  • constipation

  • dry mouth

Can be taken with or without food

Avoid alcohol if possible while taking this medication as it may cause liver damage if taken together


CHILDREN'S MEDICATIONS







Tylenol and Advil liquid are both very good choices. They both come in liquid form for children under 12 and also drops for infants.

What it's good for:


  • General aches and pains

  • Fever

  • Toothaches

  • Ear aches

Tylenol has less side effects as Advil can cause stomach upset

Take Advil with food if possible

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