Test Your Knowledge of OTC Pain Relievers
Over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers can quickly relieve a headache, backache, cramps, and other aches and pains. But even though these medicines are readily available and inexpensive, you should take care whenever you use them or give them to a child. Take this quiz to see how much you know about OTC pain relievers.
1. OTC pain relievers are safe when taken as directed.
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OTC pain relievers are safe as long as you follow dosage amounts and warnings about medicine and condition interactions.
2. If the recommended dose of OTC pain reliever doesn't relieve your pain, it's safe to take more.
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Taking more of the medicine can harm your health.
3. It's safe to take OTC pain relievers if you've been drinking alcohol.
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Mixing alcohol with OTC pain relievers can raise your risk for liver damage and stomach ulcers.
4. Pain relievers should be taken every 4 hours.
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Read the label of each product before you take it. Some should be taken every 3 hours. Others should be taken every 8 or even every 12 hours.
5. Pain relievers should be taken with food and a full glass of water.
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Taking a pain reliever with food and water will reduce your risk for stomach problems.
6. It's safe to give aspirin to children.
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Never give aspirin to a child or teen. It could cause a rare but serious condition called Reye syndrome.
7. You shouldn't take ibuprofen if you've ever had an allergic reaction to aspirin.
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Talk with your healthcare provider to find out if you can take a different kind of pain reliever. Don't take any other OTC pain reliever until you have checked with your provider. Your pharmacist can also answer questions about OTC pain medicines.
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