Test Your Knowledge of OTC Pain Relievers
Over-the-counter pain relievers can quickly relieve a headache, backache, cramps, and other aches and pains. But even though they are readily available and inexpensive, care should be used whenever you take them or give them to a child. Take this quiz to see how much you know about OTC pain relievers.
OTC pain relievers are safe when taken as directed.
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OTC pain relievers are safe as long as dosage amounts and warnings regarding
drug and condition interactions are followed, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) says.
If the regular dose of OTC pain reliever doesn't relieve your pain, it's safe to take more.
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Taking more of the drug can endanger your health, the FDA says.
It's safe to take OTC pain relievers if you've been drinking alcohol.
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Mixing alcohol with OTC pain relievers can increase your risk of liver damage and stomach ulcers, the FDA says.
Pain relievers should be taken every four hours.
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Read the label of each product before you take it; some should be taken every three hours; others, every eight hours.
Pain relievers should be taken with food and a full glass of water.
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Taking a pain reliever with food and water will reduce your risk of stomach distress.
It's safe to give aspirin to children.
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Giving a child aspirin can increase the child's risk of developing Reye's syndrome, a potentially fatal brain disorder.
You shouldn't take ibuprofen if you've ever had an allergic reaction to aspirin.
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Don't take any OTC pain reliever if you've ever had an allergic reaction to another one.
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