Acetaminophen is an analgesic (pain reliever) and antipyretic (fever reducer). Unlike acetylsalicylic acid (ASA), which is also an analgesic and antipyretic, acetaminophen does not reduce inflammation.
Acetaminophen is used for cough, cold, and pain relief. It can work quickly to relieve pain caused by headache and osteoarthritis, and to reduce fever caused by infection.
Some products combine acetaminophen with other medications for more effective pain relief. For example, it may be combined with caffeine(opens in a new window) for quick migraine relief or with ibuprofen to relieve pain, fever and inflammation.
Acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) is an analgesic (pain reliever), antipyretic (fever reducer), anti-inflammatory, and platelet aggregation inhibitors (anticlotting agents). It works by interfering with the production of compounds in the body that cause pain, fever, inflammation, and blood clots.
Acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) is used to relieve pain, fever, and inflammation in various conditions such as lower back and neck pain, the flu, common cold, burns, menstrual pain, headache, migraines, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, sprains and strains, nerve pain, muscle pain and more.
Diclofenac is an non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAID). It works by reducing pain, swelling, and inflammation.
Diclofenac tablets are used to provide relief for people with rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and degenerative joint diseases of the hip. They are also used for short-term relief of pain and inflammation, such as pain caused by sprains, surgery, dental work or menstrual cramps.
As a topical gel (applied to the skin), diclofenac is used to relieve pain associated with recent muscle or joint injuries such as sprains, strains, or sports injuries.
Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine. This medication works by blocking the effects of histamine, a substance released by the body when it reacts to allergies. It usually starts to work within one hour of being taken.
Antihistamines are used to treat symptoms caused by allergies, including itchy and watery eyes, sneezing, runny nose, and skin rash and irritations.
The topical cream form of this medication is used for the relief of swelling and itching caused by insect bites, poison ivy, poison oak, mild cases of sunburn, and other minor skin irritations.
Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID). It is believed to work by stopping the production of prostaglandins, which cause inflammation.
Ibuprofen is used to treat fever and mild-to-moderate pain caused by inflammation associated with arthritis, menstrual cramps, sprains, strains, backache, headaches, migraine, muscular aches and pain, sore throat, cold and flu, and dental pain.
For children under 12, ibuprofen is used for fever and pain due to colds, sore throat, immunization, and earache.
Methocarbamol is a muscle relaxant that can reduce muscle spasms. It is usually combined with another medication, typically ibuprofen or a combination of acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) and codeine.
In medications combined with ibuprofen, methocarbamol is used to relieve pain associated with muscle spasm such as strains and sprains, back pain, and tense neck muscles.
Similarly, medications with the combination of ASA, methocarbamol and codeine are used for the relief of moderate pain associated with muscle spasm, strains and sprains, low back pain, tendon pain, and muscle pain caused by an injury.
Naproxen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID). It relieves pain and reduces swelling and inflammation by reducing a substance in the body that leads to inflammation and pain.
Naproxen is used to treat the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. It also provides relief from minor aches and pains in muscles, bones, and joints; mild-to-moderate pain from sprains and strains; and menstrual cramps.
Understanding pain and when to seek help
Learn how to safely and effectively manage your pain
Qualify your pain relief needs with this quiz from Johnson & Johnson Inc.
Refer to this chart from Johnson & Johnson Inc before taking common pain relievers.
Use this chart from Johnson & Johnson Inc when giving your child common pain relievers.
Prepare your Remedy Cabinet with fast-acting headache relief.
Head pain can vary from a mild headache to an intense migraine. Knowing the difference can help you treat your symptoms quickly and effectively.
Tension headaches can feel like a throbbing, tightness around the head, or a tenderness in the muscles around your scalp, neck and shoulders. Since this is muscle-based, an over-the-counter pain reliever can help. You can also relax the muscles with a warm shower, stretching or a massage.
Sinus headaches appear with deep, constant pain across your cheekbones, forehead and nose. Sinus-targeting products can tackle the cause, congestion and inflammation, to provide relief.
Migraines are much more powerful than an average headache. Whether it starts with an aura or not, act quickly at the first sign of a migraine to slow or stop it from escalating.
Virtually connect with a Rexall Pharmacist for a FREE migraine assessment and a custom relief plan.
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A first line of defense when headaches strike
The signs and stages of migraines
Symptoms, relief and prevention tips
Stop flare-ups in their tracks with effective arthritis relief.
Pain in your hands, knees, and other joints can make it uncomfortable to carry on with life’s daily activities, but there are many options for relief so you can continue living well.
To treat flare-ups, make sure your Remedy Cabinet is stocked with anti-inflammatory medications. There are several over-the-counter options specifically designed for osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. You can also try heat and cold compresses to relieve aching and stiffness.
There are also holistic ways to prevent arthritis from progressing. Being physically active (within your means) is important, as is avoiding smoking and limiting alcohol. Plan ahead to manage work and travel, and use assistive devices to make everyday tasks easier.
Strengthening muscles can help prevent joint pain
Get moving sooner by keeping back pain remedies on hand.
Whether it’s from an injury, strain or simply poor posture, back pain can affect your overall well-being. Your upper back pain occurs around your shoulder blades and up to your neck, while lower back pain includes the lower (lumbar) area and hips.
There are different types of pain associated with back pain:
Treat, prevent, and stretch out back pain
Common causes and types of back pain
Comparing types of back pain and how to avoid it
Keep your Remedy Cabinet stocked with relief for sore muscles.
Workout fatigue, repetitive strains, major cramping—muscle pain can get the best of us. It’s important to pay attention to your body and give your hard-working muscles a break before they reach the point of serious injury – whether you’re working out, doing chores, parenting or performing your everyday work activities.
When you find yourself with a strain, sprain or muscle cramp – you can find relief with topical creams and gels, ice or heating packs, and over-the-counter medications that are always a good idea to keep in your Remedy Cabinet.
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