How Pain Medicines Work: No Appointment Necessary

Aired on Lifetime Television for Women
Sunday, July 30 and November 19, 2006

Show 320

Did you know the first pain medication may have been the bark from a willow tree? Pain mediations are more popular than ever, and when used as directed, very effective. But do you know the differences between the three most popular groups of OTC pain relievers? Aspirin is the oldest and best known. It belongs to a class of drugs called salicylates. They have pain relieving, fever reducing, and blood-thinning properties. Aspirin works a lot like ibuprofen by inhibiting enzymes that produce feelings of pain. Ibuprofen belongs to a group of medicines called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs.  It has pain relieving and anti-inflammatory properties, but works much differently than another type of popular pain reliever, acetaminophen. Acetaminophen is literally in a class by itself.  It has pain relieving and fever reducing properties, without having any impact on inflammation or blood clotting. Before you take any pain reliever, read the directions carefully. And also talk with your doctor about potential interactions with medications you already take.