Pain Drug Comparison Chart
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1
2Pain Drug Comparison Chart
Information provided by
Sutter Health’s MyLifeStages
and pain management specialist
Karen Pantazis, M.D.
Painkillers are among the most commonly used drugs
in the United States. Deciding which to use deserves
COMMON SENSE
careful consideration. Use this quick comparison chart to
CONSIDERATIONS
help guide a conversation with your doctor about which
• Talk with your doctor about medication dosage and
medications are best and safest for you.
possible contraindications.
• Never take any drugs when you are pregnant without
first consulting your doctor.
• Exercise caution with sensitive groups such as children,
the elderly and those with serious health conditions.
Classification
Brand Name
Generic Name
Best Used For
Common Side Effects
Warnings
Bayer
Aspirin
Minor aches and pains, fever
• GI bleeding
• May contribute to
reduction and
• Increased bleeding
macular degeneration
Bufferin
anti-inflammatory
• Ulcers
• Risk of Reyes syndrome in children
Ascriptin
Aspirin
and teens
Ecotrin
• Do not combine with blood thinner
Family
St. Joseph’s
medication
• Can cause tinnitus in high doses
• Can cause kidney
problems
Tylenol
Acetaminophen
Pain and fever
• Itching/swelling
• Liver damage possible if you take
reduction
(especially of the face/
more than recommended dose or you
Excedrin
tongue/throat)
drink alcohol.
Acetaminophen
• Rash
• OTC cough and flu products contain
• Dizziness
acetaminophen. It can add up quickly.
• Bloody stools
Limit total dose per day to 2000 mg.
• Stomach bleeding
Advil
Ibuprofen, naproxen
Pain, fever reduction and
• Heartburn
• May increase risk of
– also known as non
anti-inflammatory
• Nausea
cardiac events and stroke
Motrin
steroidal
• Rash
• Increases risk of GI bleeding and
NSAIDs
Aleve
• Dizziness
perforation
• Stomach pain
• Can cause kidney
problems
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