Question 395 of 433
Are over-the-counter painkillers safe to take regularly?
The short answer
Not the anti-inflammatory ones. Ibuprofen, naproxen, and similar drugs raise blood pressure, strain the kidneys, cause stomach bleeding, and increase heart attack risk with regular use.
Even occasional use should fit your conditions and other medicines. For ongoing pain, discuss the cause and options such as topical treatment, physical therapy, or an appropriate exercise program. Acetaminophen also has dose limits and liver risks; no daily analgesic is automatically safe. If you have heart disease, kidney disease, or take a blood thinner, ask before using them at all.
“This book is for education. It is not medical advice, and reading it does not make you my patient or create a doctor-patient relationship.” From the book’s medical disclaimer. Full disclaimer
ROBUST SAFETY EVIDENCE — NSAID users: GI, kidney, and cardiovascular risks vary by drug, dose, and patient.Evidence grade (draft mapping)ARobust human trialsPart 27, Q395 · Part sources
From Longevity Unmasked by Afshine Ash Emrani, MD, FACC. Medical disclaimer. This book is for education. It is not medical advice, and reading it does not make you my patient or create a doctor-patient relationship. Nothing here is meant to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Medicine is personal: a test, drug, supplement, or exercise plan that helps one person can harm another. Do not start, stop, or change any medication or treatment because of something you read in these pages. Talk with a licensed clinician who knows your history first. If you think you are having a medical emergency, call 911. The author disclaims responsibility for any loss or harm arising from use of the information in this book.