I keep forgetting what the differences are in the over the counter pain relievers, so I made a handy chart.
Mmmmm all NSAIDs (aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen) have GI side effects. We really don’t worry about the heart effects of ibuprofen, either, unless you’re someone who’s taking it for years and years consistently.
I cannot stress enough the risk of overdose on Tylenol. Just a few days at over 4 grams (I tell my patients to limit to 3g, because people make mistakes) can cause severe liver damage. APAP OD is the number one cause of liver failure in kids.
And Aspirin–don’t give it to kiss under 18, really just with viral illnesses, but I recommend against giving it to anyone under 18 at all. Reye’s syndrome is serious business and can kill you.
for future reference
