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How supplied
Description
Onset
Duration
Pros
Cons
FYI
User Votes
Avg. Cost
Brand Names

Acetaminophen    

Acetaminophen images

Regular 325 mg

Extra Strength 500 mg

8 HR Muscle Aches & Pain 650mg

Arthritis Relief 650 mg

Adult Liquid 500 mg / 15 ml

Temporarily relieves minor aches and pains due to headache, muscular aches, backache, minor pain of arthritis, the common cold, toothache, premenstrual and menstrual cramps, and reduces fever.

30 mins to 1 hour

3 to 4 hours

650mg = 8 hours

- Does not irritate the stomach lining like NSAIDs.

- Can take on an empty stomach.

About 90 to 95% is metabolized by the liver. Potential for liver damage and toxicity.

Do not take with antacids. Delays and decrease its absorption.

Severe liver damage may occur if you take more than 4,000 mg (8 extra-strength tabs) of acetaminophen in 24 hours.

Severe liver damage may occur if you drink 3 or more alcoholic drinks every day while using this product.

Allergic reactions can occur and include blisters, Skin rash, Skin reddening.

In case of overdose, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away. (1-800-222-1222).

Effects of overdose occur in stages and damage can last up to a week as it overloads the liver.
-12 to 24 hours after ingestion: nausea, vomiting, anorexia
-24 to 48 hours after ingestion: Elevated liver function test
-72 to 96 hours after ingestion: peak liver toxicity
-7 to 8 days after ingestion: recovery starts.

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Tylenol®

Aspirin    

Aspirin

 

Low dose / Chewable
81 mg in each tablet

Full dose
325 mg in each tablet

Back and Body
Aspirin 500 mg, Caffeine 32.5 mg in each tablet.

Plus
Buffered Aspirin 500 mg in each tablet.

PM
Aspirin 500 mg, Diphenhydramine citrate 38 mg in each tablet.

Temporarily relieves headache, muscle pain, toothache, menstrual pain, pain and fever of colds, minor pain of arthritis.

30 mins

4 to 6 hours

- Been around forever - the wonder drug.

Stomach bleeding

Aspirin allergy.

Aspirin may cause a severe allergic reaction which may include hives, facial swelling, asthma (wheezing), shock.

NSAID. May cause severe stomach bleeding.

It is especially important not to use aspirin during the last 3 months of pregnancy unless definitely directed to do so by a doctor.

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Bayer Aspirin®

Ibuprofen

Ibuprofen label

Adults
Ibuprofen 200 mg / tablet

kids
Ibuprofen 100 mg / 5 ml

Temporarily relieves minor aches and pains due to headache, muscular aches, minor pain of arthritis, toothache, backache, the common cold, menstrual cramps, and temporarily reduces fever.

-Avg 25 mins.

-Liquid gel works a little faster (comparable to the suspension).

Avg 6 to 7 hours

- Works faster and better than acetaminophen for pain

- Good for pain with inflammation.

- Can tear up the stomach lining. Must take with food.

- May cause a severe allergic reaction, especially in people allergic to aspirin.

Stomach bleeding warning:
This product contains an NSAID, which may cause severe stomach bleeding.

Chances of stomach bleeding are higher if age 60 or older, have had stomach ulcers or bleeding problems, take a blood thinning (anticoagulant) or steroid drug, take other drugs containing prescription or nonprescription NSAIDs [aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, or others], have 3 or more alcoholic drinks every day while using this product, take more or for a longer time than directed.

Ask a doctor before use if you are taking aspirin for heart attack or stroke. Ibuprofen may decrease this benefit of aspirin.

The risk of heart attack or stroke may increase if you use more than directed or for longer than directed.

Do not use ibuprofen during the last 3 months of pregnancy unless definitely directed to do so by a doctor because it may cause problems in the unborn child or complications during delivery.

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Motrin®, Advil®

Naproxen   
Naproxen label

Naproxen sodium 220 mg = Naproxen 200mg / tablet.

NSAID.

Temporarily relieves minor aches and pains due to minor pain of arthritis, muscular aches, backache, menstrual cramps, headache, toothache, the common cold, and temporarily reduces fever.

About 30 mins. Peak is reached in 2 to 5 hours.

Avg. 8 hours.

- Good for pain with inflammation

- Longer acting than competition = fewer dosing schedule.

- May cause stomach bleeding being an NSAID

This product contains an NSAID, which may cause severe stomach bleeding. The chance is higher if you are age 60 or older, have had stomach ulcers or bleeding problems, take a blood thinning (anticoagulant) or steroid drug, take other drugs containing prescription or nonprescription NSAIDs (aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, or others), have 3 or more alcoholic drinks every day while using this product.

Take with food or milk if stomach upset occurs.

The risk of heart attack or stroke may increase if you use more than directed or for longer than directed

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Aleve®

Excedrin®    

Excedrine

Extra Strength
Acetaminophen 250 mg, Aspirin (NSAID) 250 mg, Caffeine 65 mg in each caplet.

Migraine
Acetaminophen 250 mg, Aspirin(NSAID) 250 mg, Caffeine 65 mg in each caplet.

Tension Headache
Acetaminophen 500 mg, Caffeine 65 mg in each caplet.

PM Headache
Acetaminophen 250 mg, Aspirin (NSAID) 250 mg, Diphenhydramine citrate 38 mg in each caplet.

Temporarily relieves minor aches and pains due to headache, cold, arthritis, muscular aches, sinusitis, toothache, premenstrual & menstrual cramps.

30 mins.

4 to 6 hours

- Best for headaches

Contains Aspirin. 

If allergic to aspirin, get the Tension Headache caplets.

Children and teenagers who have or are recovering from chicken pox or flu-like symptoms should not use this product.

This product contains acetaminophen. Severe liver damage may occur if you take more than 8 tablets in 24 hours.

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Anacin®

Aspirin (NSAID) 400 mg, Caffeine 32 mg in each tablet.

Temporarily relieves minor aches and pains due to headache, muscular aches, sore throat, arthritis, toothache, menstrual cramps, backache.

30 mins.

4 to 6 hours

- Good for headaches and back pain.

- Contains Aspirin and caffeine.

- High risk for stomach bleeding. Stay away if you have heartburn frequently.

Children and teenagers who have or are recovering from chicken pox or flu-like symptoms should not use this product.

Aspirin may cause a severe allergic reaction which may include hives, facial swelling, asthma (wheezing), shock.

This product contains an NSAID, which may cause severe stomach bleeding.

The recommended dose contains about as much caffeine as a cup of coffee.

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BC Powder®    

BC powder

Original formula / Cherry flavor
Aspirin 845 mg, Caffeine 65 mg in each powder packet.

Arthritis Strength
Aspirin 1000 mg, Caffeine 65 mg in each powder packet.

Temporary relieves minor aches and pains due to headaches, muscular aches, minor arthritis pain, colds.

Temporarily reduces fever.

30 mins

4 to 6 hours

-- For people who cannot swallow pills.

-- May be faster acting.

- Could cause stomach bleeding.

Contains an NSAID, which may cause severe stomach bleeding.

Do not take more than 4 powders in 24 hours unless directed by a doctor.

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Goody's®

Extra strength
Acetaminophen 260 mg, Aspirin 520 mg, Caffeine 32.5 mg, potassium 60 mg in each powder packet.

Headache Powders
Acetaminophen 325 mg, Aspirin 500 mg, Caffeine 65 mg in each powder packet.

Back and Body ache
Acetaminophen 325 mg, Aspirin 500 mg, potassium 60 mg in each powder packet.

Cool Orange
Acetaminophen 325 mg, Aspirin 500 mg, Caffeine 65 mg in each powder packet.

Headache Relief Shot
Acetaminophen 1000 mg, Caffeine 65 mg in each shot.

Back & Body Single Dose
Acetaminophen 1000 mg per 60 ml.

Temporarily relieves minor aches and pains due to headache, minor aches, arthritis, colds, fever.

30 mins or less

4 to 6 hours

- Great for headache and back pain

Some powder contains potassium 60 mg.

Risk of stomach bleeding.

This product contains acetaminophen. Severe liver damage may occur if you take more than 4 powders in 24 hours, which is the maximum daily amount.

The recommended dose contains as much caffeine as a cup of coffee.

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