OTC Product Roundup: Pain Relief and Symptom Management

Pharmacists are essential in guiding patients through the extensive range of OTC options available for pain management. They can help patients navigate the wide variety of products designed for effective pain relief, fever reduction, and targeted symptom management, ensuring individuals select the most suitable option for their condition. With many different pain management options, the pain relief aisle can be overwhelming, which hinders patients from effectively managing symptoms like headaches, muscle aches, backaches, menstrual pain, minor arthritis, and pains from the common cold. Pharmacists can help guide patients and educate them on pain relief best practices.

For General Pain Relief

Advil Tablets, Ibuprofen

Manufactured by Haleon

Advil has provided safe, effective pain relief for over 40 years. Advil Tablets are designed to be swallowed and are noted to be easy to swallow. They are fast-acting and provide pain relief for up to 6 hours.

Clinical Pearls

• Advil Tablets are indicated for headache, muscle aches, backaches, menstrual pain, minor arthritis, and other joint pain, or aches and pains from the common cold.
• Dosage for adults and children 12 years and older: Take 1 tablet every 4 to 6 hours. If symptoms persist, 2 tablets may be used. Do not exceed 6 tablets in 24 hours unless directed by a doctor.
• Other Advil products, such as Advil PM Liqui-Gels and Advil PM Liquid-Gels Minis, provide pain relief and up to 8 hours of sleep. They contain solubilized ibuprofen and diphenhydramine.
• Advil Dual Action and Advil Dual Action Back Pain products contain ibuprofen and acetaminophen, offering a duration of up to 8 hours and specifically targeting back pain.

For Pain Relief and Fever Reduction

Regular Strength Tylenol Tablets, Acetaminophen

Manufactured by Kenvue Brands LLC

Regular Strength Tylenol Tablets are formulated to help reduce fever and temporarily relieve minor aches and pains. This includes common pain symptoms such as headache, muscular aches, backache, minor pain of arthritis, pain from the common cold, toothache, and premenstrual and menstrual cramps. Each tablet contains 325 mg of acetaminophen.

Clinical Pearls

• Dosage for adults and children 12 years and older: Take 2 tablets every 4 to 6 hours while symptoms last. Do not take more than 10 tablets (3250 mg) in 24 hours, unless directed by a doctor. Do not use for more than 10 days unless directed by a doctor.
• Dosage for children 6 years to younger than 12 years: Take 1 tablet every 4 to 6 hours while symptoms last. Do not use for more than 5 days unless directed by a doctor.
• Severe liver damage may occur if an adult takes more than 4000 mg of acetaminophen in 24 hours, if taken with other acetaminophen-containing drugs, or if an adult has 3 or more alcoholic drinks every day with the medication.

For Topical Pain Relief

Aspercreme Pain Relief Cream With Lidocaine, Lidocaine HCL

Manufactured by Opella Healthcare Group SAS

Aspercreme Pain Relief Cream with Lidocaine is a fragrance-free, nongreasy topical cream with moisturizing aloe that provides fast-acting, lasting relief from minor pain. It is designed to soothe aggravated nerves and contains the maximum-strength lidocaine available without a prescription.

Clinical Pearls

• Application for adults and children 12 years and older: Apply a thin layer to the affected area every 6 to 8 hours, not more than 3 to 4 times daily. Massage until thoroughly absorbed into the skin. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after each use.
• Use only as directed, do not bandage tightly, avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes, and do not expose the area to local heat or to direct sunlight.
• Stop use and ask a doctor if the condition worsens or symptoms persist for more than 7 days or if symptoms clear up and occur again within a few days.
• Do not use more than 1 Aspercreme product or any other medication at the same time.