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It is often effective for mild to moderate pain. This drug is available under the brand name Tylenol® and as a generic (no brand name) with the word “acetaminophen” on the package. Although aspirin was most common analgesic for decades, today, the most commonly used over–the–counter pain medicine is acetaminophen. These are commonly used analgesics:Īcetaminophen.
Exactly as prescribed or as on the labelĪnalgesics are medicines that help to control pain and reduce fever, and some types also decrease inflammation. If you have special risks, your doctor may be able to recommend a safer alternative and can order regular tests to monitor kidney function.Įven with normal kidney function, you should use pain medicines: You should drink plenty of fluids and avoid becoming dehydrated when you use these medicines. You should tell your health care team how often you use these drugs and how many of pills you take. To avoid kidney problems, it is important to follow the instructions on the label. You can change your risk by how you take medicines. Kidney disease from pain medicines is often preventable. If you are older, your kidneys may have a stronger reaction to these medicines and you may need a smaller dose. These drugs can also reduce the blood flow to the kidney. Kidney damage happens because high doses of the drugs have a harmful effect on kidney tissue and structures. Also, even if your kidney function is good, long–term use with high doses of these pain drugs may harm the kidneys. Nonprescription pain medicines should not be used without your doctor’s permission if you know you have low kidney function. Once kidney disease occurs, continued use of the problem drug makes it worse. According to the National Kidney Foundation, as many as 3 percent to 5 percent of new cases of chronic kidney failure each year may be caused by the overuse of these painkillers. When used improperly, pain medicines can cause problems in the body, including the kidneys. However, it is important to realize that no medicine is completely without risk. These drugs are effective and usually safe. These medicines may help with arthritis, colds, headache (including migraine), muscle aches, menstrual cramps, sinusitis and toothache.
Pain medicines, also called analgesics, help relieve pain, fever, and even inflammation. These drugs are the medicines most often used by Americans. What do you do if you have a headache, fever, or muscle pain? Chances are you go to the local drug store to pick up an over–the–counter (nonprescription) pain medicine.