by Donna Mccay

Created on: May 03, 2008

GUIDE TO NON PRESCRIPTION MEDICATIONS FOR ARTHRITIS PAIN

1. ASA or aspirin 325 mg tablets

a. analgesic to lessen pain
b. anti-inflammatory to control inflammation that damages joints
c. antipyretic that reduces fever in people with rheumatoid arthritis

Buffering the antacid may keep you from having an upset stomach but doesn't stop ulcers.
Examples are: Bufferin, Arthritis Strength Bufferin, Ascription, and Arthritis Pain Formula.

The very highly buffered ASA dissolved in water such as Alka-Seltzer protects the stomach but they contain too much sodium and if on a low salt diet you cannot use long term.

Ecotrin has a protective coating around it and does not dissolve until after leaving the stomach making it poor for fast pain relief but is fine for those taking large daily doses.

ASA suppositories only switch the irritation from the stomach to the rectum and don't deliver the drug reliably.

Suggestions what you can do:

a. Drink a full glass of water or milk
b. Eat something to act as a buffer like crackers with peanut butter.
c. Take Mylanta or Maalox or Tagament or Carafate which are anti-ulcer medications

If you have ringing in your ears you have taken too much ASA.

ASA is aspirin whether its Norwich or Bayer. Name brands cost more than generic or so called house brands but the price difference reflects the packaging and marketing not the content.

ASA doesn't mix with other prescription drugs so talk with a physician or pharmacist. You have to be really careful and not to self medicate because you think more is good.

2. Acetaminophen or Tylenol 325mg tablets and 500mg in extra strength.

a. relieves pain
b. doesn't upset stomach
c. doesn't cause ulcers
d. is not an anti-inflammatory
e. doesn't retard blood clotting as ASA

3. Ibuprofen 200mg tablets

a. fights inflammation
b. relieves pain
c. reduces fever
d. upsets the stomach - use suggestions for ASA
e. also called Advil, Medipren, and Nuprin

4. Excedrin

a. is ASA and Tylenol 325mg each
b. has about a half mug of caffeine
c. some find it helpful in relieving arthritic pain

5. Rub-On Balms

a. 70% got pain relief by rubbing on some kind of lotion, liniment, cream, oil, or gel on a painful arthritic area.

b. some are counter irritants that help you forget pain by irritating your skin to make it hot.
The heat soothes soreness and stiffness and makes you feel better.

c. some take a hot bath, cover knees/ankles with liniment then wrap in ace bandages.

d. some people have tried 30 brands of balms but here are the most popular in effectiveness:
Myoflex-81%,
Mineral Ice-81%,
Icy Hot-77%,
Absorbine Jr.-74% arthritic people said it relaxed the joint
Ben Gay-70%
Mentholatum-63%
Heet-61%
Aspercreme-57%
Tiger Balm - no percent noted but warms, relaxes, and anesthetizes severe pain areas.

e. give temporary relief by relaxing the muscles, joint, gives a sense of well being, and relieves pain so they can go about their daily activities.

f. some cannot stand the strong aroma of wintergreen or menthol but others love it.

g. try several and use what works for you as we are all different. Choose one in your price range that doesn't hurt your skin or offend your nose.

Learn more about this author, Donna Mccay.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.