Advil/ Motrin (Ibuprofen) is another common pain-reliever which is sold over-the-counter as Advil, Motrin, and several other brand names and generic alternatives. The medication is available as a tablet, chewable tablet, liquid suspension, or drops and can be taken every four to six hours as needed in order to provide fever or pain relief. It is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, and as such may increase risk of having a heart attack or stroke. Common uses include treatment for arthritis, headaches, muscle aches, menstrual cramps, the common cold, backache, and toothache. Both acetaminophen and ibuprofen can be taken to treat the symptoms of a painful tooth while awaiting a dental appointment and after treatment in order to soothe discomfort after a dental procedure. Package instructions must be followed as overdose may produce negative reactions. Care must be taken when taking more than one medication, even over-the-counter, as two medications may have the same active ingredient leading to potential complications arising from overdose.

Aleve (Naproxen) is commonly sold as Aleve, Midol, or several other brand and generic names, is also a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, and as such may increase risk of having a heart attack or stroke. The medications works by preventing production of a substance which causes pain, fever, and inflammation in the body. Due to these anti-inflammatory properties, naproxen is most commonly used to help patients manage the symptoms of various kinds of arthritis, but it can also be taken at six to eight hour intervals to relieve discomfort arising toothache or post-procedural pain. It can cause nausea in some patients and may be taken with food or milk in order to minimize queasiness. Package instructions must be followed and health-care providers should be told of any allergies or other medications.

Tylenol (Acetaminophen) is one of the most popular over the counter pain-relievers available over-the counter, is sold most widely as the brand-name Tylenol. Tylenol and comparable drugs work by changing the chemical perception of pain in the brain by blocking nerve receptors responsible for delivering messages of discomfort through the nervous system, and by cooling the body to relieve fever. The medication can be delivered as a tablet, capsule, drops, or liquid solution and can be taken with or without food. Patients are warned that taking more than the recommended dosage can lead to liver damage, and instructions on the packaging must always be carefully followed. Dentists often advise taking acetaminophen following a dental treatment in order to minimize any post-procedural discomfort, and the drug can be safely used for several days. Please tell your dentist, doctor, or pharmacist about any other medications in order to prevent adverse reactions.

Vicodin is a potent pain-reliever available only by prescription which consists of acetaminophen and hydrocodene, a narcotic pain-reliever. Hydrocodene can be habit-forming and patients are advised to take precautions both in using and securing the drug lest they or those around them begin abusing the substance. Vicodin should never be used by anyone other than the patient for whom it was originally prescribed. Due to its high acetaminophen content, Vicodin can cause liver damage if too much in ingested at one time. A common side effect is constipation, and patients should take care to drink at least six to eight glasses of water per day and increase their fiber intake during treatment in order to prevent discomfort from this symptom. Cessation after prolonged use may lead to withdrawal symptoms, and it is often recommended that patients gradually decrease their daily dose in order to minimize this effect. Vicodin is usually only prescribed after serious procedures such as oral surgery or complex medical procedures. It is relatively rare for a dentist to prescribe Vicodin for a simple tooth ache due to potential for addition or abuse. Do not take any other medications containing acetaminophen, such as Tylenol, simultaneously with Vicodin as this may pose a risk to liver function. Seek medical help if complications of dependent behaviors emerge.