If your aching tooth, headache, or body pain starts to get out of hand, it might be high time to take a painkiller. While many of these minor aches and pains aren’t likely to cause serious physical problems, they can be very uncomfortable. Fortunately, for us, many painkillers can be purchased without a prescription.
But, visit any drugstore and you’re likely to find a wide variety of pain killers that can make the process of choosing a bit of a challenge. You’re initial instinct might be to buy the first one you see, but not all pain relievers are made equal. So, how can you be sure that your chosen painkiller will work best for you? Don’t settle for anything less than the best pain killer medications and be sure to buy one that offers real results by checking out this helpful guide.
Top 10 Pain Killers Chart
| Picture | Name | Caffeine-Free | Price | Rating (1-5) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 1. Bayer Aspirin Regimen Low Dose 81mg, Enteric Coated Tablets, 300-Count | Yes | $$$ | 4.8 |
 | 2. Tylenol Extra Strength Acetaminophen 500 Mg 325 Caplets | Yes | $$$$ | 4.8 |
 | 3. Kirkland Signature Extra Strength Acetaminophen 500MG Caplets, 500-Count Bottle | Yes | $$ | 4.7 |
 | 4. GoodSense Ibuprofen Pain Reliever/Fever Reducer Tablets 200 mg, 100 Count | Yes | $ | 4.7 |
 | 5. Aleve Caplets, 100 Count | Yes | $ | 4.7 |
 | 6. Kirkland Signature Ibuprofen Tablets USP, 200MG 500-Tablets | Yes | $$ | 4.6 |
 | 7. Simply Right Member's Mark Acetaminophen PM Gelcaps - 375 ct | Yes | $$$$ | 4.6 |
 | 8. UrgentRx Headache Relief To Go Powder, 10 Count | No | $$ | 4.5 |
 | 9. Motrin Liquid Gels, 20 Count | Yes | $ | 4.2 |
 | 10. Outback Pain Relief – Natural Topical Oil - 50mL Roll On | Not Relevant | $$$$ | 4.1 |
Buying Information for Pain Killers
Finding great painkillers entails three major considerations. By taking these main factors into account, you can best pinpoint which option will provide you maximum relief.
- Active Ingredient. Over-the-counter painkillers, otherwise known as analgesics, come in several different formulations. Each one targets a different kind of pain, so while one might be effective for your specific body pain, another might not.
Most Common Active Ingredients in NSAIDS
- Ibuprofen. With strong anti-inflammatory properties, ibuprofen is commonly used for different kinds of pain caused by inflammation. Sore muscles after a workout for example, can be relieved easily by a capsule of ibuprofen. The downside is that its effects don’t last as long as other NSAIDS.
- Acetaminophen. Headaches and toothaches are most commonly addressed with acetaminophen, but because its anti-inflammatory properties are much weaker, it’s not ideal for muscle and joint pain. Despite this however, acetaminophen is effective for reducing fever.
- Naproxen Sodium. This analgesic is commonly used by athletes, individuals with strenuous work, and those with medical conditions such as arthritis. It works well against inflammation and pain, and lasts much longer than other NSAIDS.
- Acetylsalicylic Acid. More commonly known as aspirin, this NSAID is usually used for general body pain. What sets it apart from other analgesics is that it’s also a common blood thinner, making it an ideal maintenance medication for stroke survivors.
- Dosage. The dosage of the painkiller you use ties in with the specific formulation you purchase. Because one option can be more potent than another can, identifying the appropriate dosage for your needs will help ensure safe and effective results.
- Ibuprofen. A 200mg dosage of ibuprofen has a half-life 1.3 – 3 hours, which means its concentration in the system will be reduced by half 3 hours after consumption. Because of the relatively short potency period, it would be necessary to take another dosage 6 hours after the first if pain persists.
- Acetaminophen. Usually available in 500mg, a single dosage of acetaminophen will stay potent in the system for up to 4 hours. Users may need to take another 500mg dosage after 8 hours if fever or pain persists.
- Naproxen Sodium. One of the most powerful NSAIDS, naproxen sodium has a half-life of 8 – 12 hours. People who take this analgesic rarely require a second dosage in a single day.
- Acetylsalicylic Acid. With a half-life of just 30 minutes, it would be necessary for you to take a single dosage anywhere between 324mg to 1,000mg to relieve pain. A second dosage may be necessary 6 hours after the first. The maximum dosage of aspirin in a single day is 4,000mg.
- Contraindications. Some analgesics can’t be taken in the presence of pre-existing medical conditions, special situations, and before medical procedures. Ibuprofen, naproxen sodium, and acetylsalicylic acid are not safe for use during pregnancy. Aspirin, on the other hand, should be avoided by people with bleeding risks and those who are scheduled to undergo surgeries or immunizations.
Top 3 Best Pain Killer Reviews
1. Bayer Aspirin Regimen Low Dose Enteric Coated Tablets
For many users, the best pain killer product on the market would have to be Bayer Aspirin Regimen Low Dose 81mg Enteric Coated Tablets. The low dose tablets allow people to adjust their dosage without having to go through the process of breaking small tablets into even smaller pieces. This is a major plus for people who use aspirin as a maintenance medication to prevent recurrent heart attack or stroke.
Aside from being an effective and affordable alternative, Bayer Aspirin is enteric coated which means that when it’s dissolved in the small intestine, it won’t cause gastrointestinal irritation which could happen with other options.
If you’re looking for value for your money, effectiveness, and safety, Bayer Aspirin should be your best bet when it comes to pain killers.
2. Tylenol Extra Strength Acetaminophen Caplets
Tylenol has become synonymous with acetaminophen throughout the years, easily recognized as the one of the best pain killer medicines available in the market today. Tried and tested by countless individuals across the globe, Tylenol Extra Strength Acetaminophen 500mg Caplets are fast and effective with mild body pain and fever.
Another thing that makes Tylenol a top choice among users is that it contains codeine – a compound that helps relieve cough and chest pain. The only downside to Tylenol is that while it is effective with mild body aches, it can’t relieve moderate or severe pain.
3. Kirkland Signature Extra Strength Acetaminophen Caplets
One of the most affordable acetaminophen caplets on the market comes from Kirkland. Costing only a fraction of the price of other available options, Kirkland Signature Extra Strength Acetaminophen 500mg Caplets is the obvious choice for people on a budget.
Effective for relieving fever and mild body pains, Kirkland Acetaminophen will not offer relief for greater body aches and pains because of its relatively weak anti-inflammatory properties. Compared to Tylenol, Kirkland also provides a shorter potency period that may require more dosages in a single day.