Best Over The Counter Medicine For Body Aches
Body aches can be caused by a variety of factors including stress, exercise, injury, and illness. These aches can be uncomfortable and hinder daily activities. Fortunately, there are over-the-counter (OTC) medicines that can help relieve body aches. In this article, we will discuss the best OTC medicines for body aches.
1. Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
Acetaminophen is a popular OTC medicine used to relieve pain and reduce fever. This medicine is commonly used to treat body aches caused by minor injuries, arthritis, and menstrual cramps. Acetaminophen is available in different forms such as tablets, capsules, and liquid. The recommended dosage is 325-500 milligrams every 4-6 hours as needed, but no more than 3,000 milligrams per day.
2. Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)
Ibuprofen is another common OTC medicine used to reduce pain, fever, and inflammation. This medicine is commonly used to treat body aches caused by minor injuries, arthritis, and menstrual cramps. Ibuprofen is available in different forms such as tablets, capsules, and liquid. The recommended dosage is 200-400 milligrams every 4-6 hours as needed, but no more than 1,200 milligrams per day.
3. Naproxen (Aleve)
Naproxen is an OTC medicine used to relieve pain, reduce fever, and reduce inflammation. This medicine is commonly used to treat body aches caused by minor injuries, arthritis, and menstrual cramps. Naproxen is available in different forms such as tablets, capsules, and liquid. The recommended dosage is 220 milligrams every 8-12 hours as needed, but no more than 660 milligrams per day.
4. Aspirin (Bayer, Ecotrin)
Aspirin is an OTC medicine used to relieve pain, reduce fever, and reduce inflammation. This medicine is commonly used to treat body aches caused by minor injuries, arthritis, and menstrual cramps. Aspirin is available in different forms such as tablets, capsules, and chewable tablets. The recommended dosage is 325-650 milligrams every 4-6 hours as needed, but no more than 4,000 milligrams per day.
5. Combination Medicines
Combination medicines are OTC medicines that contain more than one active ingredient. These medicines are used to treat multiple symptoms at once. Some common combination medicines used to relieve body aches include:
- Acetaminophen + aspirin + caffeine (Excedrin)
- Ibuprofen + acetaminophen (Advil Dual Action)
- Naproxen + diphenhydramine (Aleve PM)
It is important to read the label and follow the recommended dosage for combination medicines.
Conclusion
Overall, there are many OTC medicines available to relieve body aches. Acetaminophen, ibuprofen, naproxen, aspirin, and combination medicines are all effective options. It is important to read the label and follow the recommended dosage for each medicine. If body aches persist or worsen, it is important to consult a healthcare professional.