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Pain Drug Comparison Chart
Information provided by
Sutter Health’s My LifeStages
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
careful consideration. Use this quick comparison chart to
help guide a conversation with your doctor about which
medications are best and safest for you.
COMMON SENSE
CONSIDERATIONS
- Talk with your doctor about medication dosage and
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.
OVE
RTHECOUNTER
Classification Brand Name Generic Name Best Used For Common Side Effects Warnings
Bayer Aspirin Minor aches and pains, fever • GI bleeding • May contribute to Bufferin reduction and^ • Increased bleeding^ macular degeneration
Aspirin
Family
Ascriptin Ecotrin St. Joseph’s
anti-inflammatory • Ulcers • Risk of Reyes syndrome in children and teens
- Do not combine with blood thinner medication
- Can cause tinnitus in high doses
- Can cause kidney problems
Tylenol Acetaminophen Pain and fever • Itching/swelling • Liver damage possible if you take Excedrin reduction^ (especially of the face/^ more than recommended dose or you tongue/throat) drink alcohol. Acetaminophen • Rash
- Dizziness
- OTC cough and flu products contain 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 Motrin – also known as non^ anti-inflammatory^ • Nausea^ cardiac events and stroke
NSAIDs
Aleve steroidal • Rash
- Dizziness
- Increases risk of GI bleeding and perforation
- Stomach pain • Can cause kidney problems
OVER THE COUNTER [con’t]
Classification Brand Name Generic Name Best Used For Common Side Effects Warnings
Midol Preps Combinations of For headaches, • Dizziness • Consider all warnings for aspirin, acet- acetaminophen, bloating, fatigue and • GI bleeding aminophen and NSAIDs like ibuprofen, caffeine, naproxen, menstrual symptoms • GI upset since combination drugs may combine Combination aspirin^ • Irritability^ one or more classes.
Drugs • Nervousness
Vanquish Combination For headaches, • Irritation of stomach or
Painkillers combining one or more classes of OTC drugs.
of aspirin, acetominophen and caffeine
migraines, headaches, muscle aches, menstrual aches, or other minor aches and pains due to sinusitis,
intestines
- Nervousness
- Nausea
- Taste problems
- Trouble sleeping arthritis, or colds • Ulcer from stomach acid
Excedrin Migraine
Combinations of acetaminophen, caffeine and ibuprofen
Migraine pain • Dizziness
- GI bleeding
- GI upset
- Irritability
- Nervousness
PRESC RIPTION
Classification Brand Name Generic Name Best Used For Common Side Effects Warnings
Vicodin Hydrocodone and Moderate to • Constipation, nausea, respiratory • Do not overtake these medications! Norco acetaminophen^ Severe Pain^ depression in high doses or when^ Take ONLY as prescribed.
Opioid
Analgesics
Lortab / Lorcet
Oxycodone Oxycodone Percocet Oxycodone and acetaminophen
Severe Pain
can lead to death
- Can lead to death from respiratory depression if overtaken or mixed with other sedatives, including alcohol.
- Can lead to dependence and tolerance, which are different than addiction.
MS ER / Kadian Morphine Methadone Methadone
- Can lead to addiction, especially in high risk individuals
Dilaudid Hydromorphone Opana Oxymorphone Duragesic Patch Fentanyl Patch
Neuropathic Pain Medication
Neurontin Gabapentin
Moderate to Severe Pain
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Do not stop medication suddenly
Non- Ultram^ Tramadol
Opioid
Analgesics
Lyrica Cymbalta Topamax
Pregabalin Duloxetine Topiramate Pamelor Nortriptylline
Opioid Agonist / Antagonists
Butrans Bupronorphene Patch
mixed with other meds or alcohol,
