Best Over The Counter Pain Medicine After Surgery
Undergoing surgery can be a stressful and painful experience. After surgery, it is common to experience pain, which can be caused by the incisions, cuts, or trauma to the body. Pain relief is essential to help you get back on your feet and resume your daily activities. Over-the-counter (OTC) pain medications can be an effective way to manage pain after surgery. In this article, we will discuss the best OTC pain medicines after surgery that can help you alleviate your discomfort and pain.
1. Acetaminophen
Acetaminophen is a popular OTC pain reliever that is effective in managing mild to moderate pain. It works by blocking the production of prostaglandins, which are chemicals that cause pain and inflammation in the body.
Acetaminophen is available in different forms, including tablets, capsules, and liquid. It is important to follow the recommended dosage to avoid liver damage, which can occur if you take too much of this medication. The maximum dosage of acetaminophen for adults is 4,000 milligrams per day.
2. Ibuprofen
Ibuprofen is another OTC pain reliever that is effective in reducing pain and inflammation. It belongs to a class of drugs called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) that work by blocking the production of prostaglandins.
Ibuprofen is available in tablet, capsule, and liquid form. It is important to take ibuprofen with food or milk to avoid stomach upset. The maximum dosage of ibuprofen for adults is 2,400 milligrams per day.
3. Aspirin
Aspirin is an OTC pain reliever that is effective in reducing pain, fever, and inflammation. It works by blocking the production of prostaglandins and inhibiting the activity of platelets, which are involved in blood clotting.
Aspirin is available in tablet, capsule, and chewable form. It is important to take aspirin with food or milk to avoid stomach upset. The maximum dosage of aspirin for adults is 4,000 milligrams per day.
4. Naproxen
Naproxen is an OTC pain reliever that is effective in reducing pain and inflammation. It belongs to the NSAIDs class of drugs that work by blocking the production of prostaglandins.
Naproxen is available in tablet and liquid form. It is important to take naproxen with food or milk to avoid stomach upset. The maximum dosage of naproxen for adults is 1,375 milligrams per day.
5. Lidocaine Patches
Lidocaine patches are an OTC pain reliever that are effective in reducing localized pain. They work by numbing the area where they are applied and reducing pain signals to the brain.
Lidocaine patches are available in different sizes and strengths. It is important to follow the recommended dosage and not apply more patches than recommended. The maximum recommended use of lidocaine patches is 12 hours per day.
Conclusion
OTC pain medications can be an effective way to manage pain after surgery. However, it is important to follow the recommended dosage and consult with your healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns. Additionally, it is important to avoid taking multiple pain medications at the same time, as this can increase your risk of side effects and complications.
