Michael asked
I've severely torn the ligaments in my foot and the GP hasn't given me any pain relief. What over the counter medication can I use which will with severe pain?
Answer
Unfortunately, there are not a lot of options for treatment of “severe pain” over-the-counter. Some options that may help include naproxen (Aleve), ibuprofen (Advil), and acetaminophen (Tylenol). In addition, there are some topical pain relievers including menthol (Icy Hot) and capsaicin (Capzasin). Below, we will discuss more about some of the over-the-counter pain treatment options.
Aleve (naproxen) is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is commonly used to treat a variety of ailments including mild to moderate pain, headache, and fever. Naproxen has a half-life of 12-17 hours. Naproxen is absorbed completely in the GI tract and typically starts working within 30 minutes to 1 hour. When taken with food it absorbs at a slower rate and therefore may take a bit longer to work. The peak effect takes place within 2-4 hours and the half-life is 12-17 hours.
Advil or Motrin (ibuprofen) is also an NSAID that is used in a similar way as naproxen. Ibuprofen has a half-life of around 2-4 hours. Ibuprofen is absorbed well in the GI tract with about 80% of the drug being absorbed. The peak effect of ibuprofen takes place in about 2 hours with tablets, 1 hour with chewable tablets, and 45 minutes with suspension. The pain relief effects typically begin within 30 minutes to 1 hour. Taking ibuprofen with food can decrease the absorption slightly.
Tylenol
(acetaminophen) is an analgesic that can be taken for a wide variety of acute
and chronic pain ailments. Acetaminophen has a half-life of 2-3 hours. Acetaminophen
gets absorbed at 85-98% and reaches peak
concentrations within 30-60 minutes. Typically, acetaminophen can start working within 15 minutes. Taking this
medication with food slightly decreases the peak effect. Benefits for
acetaminophen over NSAIDs include less likelihood to cause GI issues, bleeding,
and kidney dysfunction. Acetaminophen can have negative impacts on the liver,
especially at higher doses for an extended period of time.
