Analgesics for sinusitis

Examples

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Brand Name	Generic Name
Tylenol	acetaminophen

Brand Name	Generic Name
Bayer	aspirin

Brand Name	Generic Name
Motrin	ibuprofen

Brand Name	Generic Name
Aleve	naproxen sodium

Stronger pain relievers are available by prescription.

How It Works

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These medications reduce fever and relieve pain associated with sinusitis.

Why It Is Used

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Analgesics may be used to reduce fever and relieve headache, toothache, and facial pain caused by infection, inflammation, or congestion in the sinuses.

How Well It Works

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Analgesics are helpful in reducing fever and relieving pain caused by sinusitis.

Side Effects

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Side effects of analgesics may include:

• Allergic reactions.
• Bleeding, which may occur with aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen sodium, or similar medications.
• A sensation of ringing in the ears (tinnitus).

Do not give aspirin to anyone under age 20 because of the risk of Reye syndrome.

Very rarely, ibuprofen and naproxen have caused meningitis. No one has died of this complication, but hospitalization is required to treat it. People who have an autoimmune disease, such as systemic lupus erythematosus, may be more at risk of developing this complication.

See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug Reference is not available in all systems.)

What To Think About

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These medications are effective, inexpensive, and available without a prescription. However, do not use them for more than 5 to 7 days in a row without consulting your health professional.

Aspirin and other medications that reduce inflammation may not be recommended for people who have asthma because they are known to trigger asthma attacks in some people.

These medications should be used carefully in people who have liver disease, kidney disease, heart disease, or who have an alcohol use problem.

People who are taking medications to prevent blood clots should talk with their health professional before using these medications.

Complete the new medication information form (PDF) (What is a PDF document?) to help you understand this medication.

Credits

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Author	Shannon Erstad, MBA/MPH
Editor	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS
Associate Editor	Denele Ivins
Associate Editor	Pat Truman, MATC
Primary Medical Reviewer	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer	Donald R. Mintz, MD - Otolaryngology
Last Updated	August 15, 2008