Over-the-counter pain relievers are great when they are used as directed. These medicines that you do not need a prescription from can help to alleviate many ailments including pain. However, when it comes to taking these medications, it is important not to overdo it especially when you are using them to control pain.
Over-the-Counter Pain Relieving Creams
Today, in addition to oral NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), you can find topical NSAIDs. Topical NSAIDs come in the form of sprays, gels and creams. Many pain suffers have found that using these topical creams will effectively control their pain in joints like knees and elbows and with sore muscles.
Because there are many risks associated with taking oral NSAIDs like stomach conditions, liver and kidney damage, and heart problems, choosing a topical pain reliever is a good choice. Many topical pain relievers are available without a prescription.
Mixing Medications
Over-the-counter medications are safe but can cause serious problems if they are used by people who are taking specific medicines. Certain medications cannot be mixed. If you are taking other medications, you should always consult your doctor before you take an over-the-counter medication.
Pain Relieving Creams and Other Medications
When you take an oral medication, the medicine must travel throughout your body in order to be affective. When it come to a topical pain reliever, it can be absorbed through the skin which eliminates its effect on the rest of your body. This makes these creams a great option for those who are on prescriptions that cannot be mixed with typical oral NSAIDs.
While topical creams are safer when being used by someone taking other medications, it does not mean that it is completely without risk. Even with pain relieving creams, you need to check with your doctor before use. Many medical creams use natural ingredients but others do use more harmful ingredients.
Methyl salicylate is an active ingredient that is related to asprin and is found in some topical NSAIDs. This ingredient can be dangerous for those who are allergic to asprin or are taking blood thinners.
Use as Directed
When using over-the-counter medications, it is very important to read the label and use as instructed even when it comes to medical creams. Never use these creams longer than the label instructs unless authorized by your doctor. Take note of the handling instructions. Wash your hands after you have applied these creams.
Many of these topical NSAIDs are not safe if ingested or come into contact with eyes. It can be easy to transfer the cream to such areas if you do not wash your hands after applying to affected areas. In addition, many of these creams cannot be used to o open wounds or cracked skin. Make sure to read the warning labels to ensure the products safe use.
Keep out of Reach of Children
Some people put topical NSAIDs into the same category as other skin lotions or creams. This can be dangerous because the same cautions that are practiced with oral NSAIDs are overlooked when it comes to kids.
It is important to remember that these creams are in the same category as drugs. Too much of these creams can be dangerous especially when it comes to kids. Keep these creams out of reach of your children when storing them. In addition do not leave them lying around in between uses.
If your child has an injury, talk to their health care provider before using topical NSAIDs. Many of these creams are not safe for children.
Talk to Your Doctor about Your Pain
If you have been dealing with a pain for a long period of time, you should consult your doctor. Over-the-counter topical pain relievers will decrease your pain but they are not a cure. If pain is felt for an extended period of time it is an indication that something more serious is going on. You doctor can recommend the next steps for you to take to complete recovering. Do not mask your pain with pain relieving creams; find a cure.
