Pain

It’s hard to believe, but pain is essential for survival. Pain is the body’s alarm siren that draws our attention to some health disorder or to an actual illness, and protects us from greater injury by means of reflex actions. We don’t rely entirely on our millions of pain receptors, there are two additional safety devices: inflammation and prostaglandins, which are also described as pain amplifiers or activators. When trauma or injury occurs, the damaged tissue produces prostaglandins. These sensitize the nerve endings allowing the nerve message to be transmitted to the brain so that the body can respond appropriately.

ASPIRIN is a prostaglandin inhibitor that "short circuits" the pain message and as a consequence, relieves the pain. This mode of action is responsible for the indications of acute (i.e. headaches, toothaches) pain relief, as well as chronic (arthritis, backache) pain relief. For chronic use, use only under the supervision and recommendation of a doctor.

Difference between Pain Relievers:

There are many pain relievers on the market today. However three active ingredients available in over-the-counter (OTC) medications make up the non-prescription analgesic market. These are acetylsalicylic acid (ASA), acetaminophen and ibuprofen. The table below provides a summary of the key therapeutic differences among the main pain relievers within the OTC category.

Ingredient	Major Brand	Analgesic (Pain reliever)	Anti-Pyretic (Fever Reducer)	NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory)
Acetylsalicylic Acid	ASPIRIN
Acetaminophen	TYLENOL**
Ibuprofen	ADVIL**

How ASA and NSAIDs work

Two sites of action: Central and at the Site

1) Central:

ASPIRIN, whose active ingredient is acetylsalicylic acid (ASA), works by decreasing the production of prostaglandins (pain amplifiers) found in the body's central nervous system.

2) At the Site:

ASPIRIN is classified as a NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug like ADVIL** ). Unlike pain relievers containing acetaminophen (TYLENOL**) which reduce the perception of pain, the active ingredient in ASPIRIN actually goes to the site of the pain to reduce the pain of inflammation.

How acetaminophen works

Acetaminophen's mechanism of action is not clear, but there is some belief that it either acts on the central nervous system or inhibits central nervous system prostaglandin production. Although acetaminophen relieves the pain of inflammation as do other active ingredients, it does not act at the actual site of pain.

Combining different pain relievers

As with any OTC medication it is important not to exceed the maximum daily dosage. Accidental overdose can cause serious side effects. According to a recent publication in Hepatology (2004;40:6-9), data from the US Acute Liver Failure Study Group registry implicates acetaminophen poisoning in nearly 50% of all acute liver failure in the US. Always read labels carefully.

ASPIRIN has been helping to relieve Canadians’ pain longer than any other product. Whatever your degree of pain, from headaches and migraines, muscle and body pain to arthritis pain, to backaches ASPIRIN has a product* that is right for you.

To learn more about pain management, click here.

*As with any medication, speak to your doctor before using.
** trademarks of their respective owner

ASPIRIN Extra Strength Helps Extinguish Fiery Pain.