By Chioma Obinna
In Nigeria, taking pain reliever is like a routine. Most Nigerians cannot do without taking pain reliever after a hard day’s job.  But little did they know that this common habit may cause more damage to their health.

Do you have sore muscles or a raging headache? Before you reach for that bottle in your first aid box for pain relief, experts have advised that you must know what you are taking and what side effects it might cause.  It is usually advised by doctors that before taking a drug, patients should always read the label and follow directions. But how many people are doing this today?

Pain relievers come in two main varieties. Acetaminophen (Panadol, Tylenol) and Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs — popularly known as NSAIDs — both help to relieve pain and reduce fever. NSAIDs include ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), aspirin, and naproxen sodium (Aleve).

Years ago, parents often gave their children baby aspirin for fevers and illness. Now that doctors know more about Reye’s syndrome, a rare but serious condition that affects the brain, kidneys, and liver — aspirin is a no longer good for children during times of illness.  But sick children can safely take ibuprofen and acetaminophen, as long as the dosage is right for their age and weight. However, experts are of  the view that caution should be apply  when taking Over- The- Counter, OTC, pain relievers, because older adults are more likely to develop side effects as studies have shown that age can affect pain reliever safety.

Studies have also shown that alcohol and OTC pain relievers can be a dangerous combination. Many drugs including pain relievers — carry warnings about drinking alcohol if you are taking medication.

*Beware! over use of pain relievers can increase your blood pressure.

Pain relievers affect Blood Pressure. Some OTC pain relievers may interact with some high blood pressure medications or can increase blood pressure in people not previously diagnosed with this condition.

Again, stomachs can be sensitive. Some NSAID pain relievers, such as ibuprofen and naproxen sodium, can be tough on your gut. They can irritate the lining of the stomach, leading to ulcers and bleeding, or aggravate ulcers you already have. If you have to use an NSAID pain reliever, protect your stomach by taking the lowest possible dose for the shortest possible time and take them with food.

Pain relievers can overwork kidneys. Your kidneys are two hard-working organs. They filter wastes and keep the balance of fluids and electrolytes, but NSAIDs can interfere with their ability to do these jobs. Regular use of these drugs can worsen kidney disease and lead to kidney failure.

How healthy is your Heart?

OTC pain relievers can be a double-edged sword for people with heart problems. Daily low-dose aspirin can help ward off blood clots that can lead to a stroke or heart attack. On the other hand, long-term non-aspirin NSAID use, especially at high doses, can interfere with the blood-thinning effect of aspirin.

It can also boost your blood pressure and increase risk of heart attack or stroke. People with heart disease or high blood pressure should check with their doctor before taking NSAIDs. They are generally not recommended for people with kidney disease, heart failure, or cirrhosis.

Pain relievers are dangerous to the liver. Acetaminophen-containing drugs and other pain relievers are safe and effective when used as directed, but all medications carry risks. Acetaminophen works great for pain relief, but it can affect your liver. Severe liver injury may occur if you take an overdose of acetaminophen. To prevent liver problems, don’t take more than the recommended total daily dose.

Do not drink alcohol while taking acetaminophen-containing medications. And take the lowest dose possible for the shortest period of time. People with cirrhosis should avoid NSAIDs entirely and use acetaminophen only in small doses.