Which Painkillers for Which Complaints?

Anyone who has headaches, back problems or fever likes to take over-the-counter painkillers. But which are suitable for which complaints?

Painkillers are a constant companion for many people in many country, after all headaches and back problems are among the most common diseases. Stiftung Warentext has examined the drugs under the magnifying glass and assessed most of them as suitable. However, there are exceptions and combinations that are not recommended.

What active ingredients are there?

Over-the-counter painkillers contain five different active ingredients: diclofenac, ibuprofen, naproxen, acetylsalicylic acid (ASA, contained in aspirin, for example) and paracetamol. The first four active ingredients have a similar effect and are intended for mild pain. They all relieve the pain at its starting point, the nerve endings. Paracetamol only develops the active ingredient in the spinal cord and brain.

Attention, side effects!

As the Stiftung Warentest study has found out, combination products containing several pain-relieving active ingredients in particular are associated with different side effects. When taken over a longer period of time, they can cause damage to the liver, stomach and kidneys – and even trigger the pain itself. For this reason, painkillers should not be taken for more than four days at a time. Preparations containing caffeine are also not recommended, as the invigorating effect can lead to the body actually suffering too much.

Which remedy helps against which pain?

Paracetamol should be taken for mild to moderate pain. It lowers fever, but is not suitable for people with liver disease.

Ibuprofen is also suitable for mild to moderate pain in low doses and for short periods. It inhibits inflammation and lowers fever. Anyone who has headaches, joint pain, toothache or menstrual pain may take these tablets. However, women in the last trimester of pregnancy should not take this painkiller.

Diclofenac is also anti-inflammatory and antipyretic. It is particularly suitable for minor sports injuries or joint pain and should only be used for a short time and in small doses. However, children under 14 years of age and pregnant women should get another drug of choice.

Aspirin (Acetylsalicylic acid – ASA) helps with light and moderate pain – and is suitable as a blood thinner in low doses. It lowers fever and inhibits inflammation. Again, children under 12 years of age and women in the last trimester of pregnancy should not take this over-the-counter painkiller.

Naproxen is also effective against fever and inflammation. It is suitable for headaches, menstrual cramps, wounds, joint and toothache. It is not suitable for children under 12 years of age and women in the last trimester of pregnancy.