Do OTC pain relievers have any side effects?
All medicines can have side effects. However, side effects are usually not a problem for healthy people who only use pain relievers once in a while. Side effects can be a concern for people who regularly use pain relievers or have health problems. If you have questions about side effects, talk to your doctor. Acetaminophen may cause liver or kidney damage in people who take very high doses or who frequently drink alcohol. With long-term use, aspirin and other NSAIDs may cause stomach upset, bleeding in the stomach and intestines, and ulcers. Which OTC pain reliever should I choose? The following advice is for healthy adults who only need a pain reliever once in a while. If you have health problems or regularly use pain relievers, talk to your doctor. Both acetaminophen and NSAIDs work for minor aches and pains, and for fever. Aspirin is generally a good choice for headaches and other common aches and pains. (You should not give aspirin to children because of the risk of Reye’s Syndrome
