The most effective pain relief ingredients are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). These anti-inflammatory drugs successfully reduce pain caused by arthritis, back and neck injuries, muscle sprains, or menstrual cramps. Also known as Ibuprofen and naproxen sodium, NSAIDs are the active ingredients in Advil, Motrin IB, and Aleve. These potent pain killers work by preventing certain enzymes called cyclooxygenase (COX-1 and COX-2) from being released into the body due to an injury or tissue damage. However, prolonged NSAIDs use can cause side effects like stomachaches, nausea, or ulcers. In addition, large doses can result in high blood pressure, fluid retention, or kidney problems.
One of the most common pain relief ingredients is acetaminophen. Famous for being the active ingredient in Tylenol, acetaminophen provides safe and potent relief for mild to moderate pain from headaches, backaches, arthritis, and sprains. However, acetaminophen falls short of NSAIDs in treating osteoarthritis-related knee and hip pain. Scientists can’t explain how acetaminophen works. But some of them believe it may restrict the third type of cyclooxygenase, COX-3. Since it doesn’t fight inflammation, acetaminophen doesn’t affect COX-1 and COX-2.
Non-oral, or topical analgesics, usually contain some combination of menthol, camphor, salicylate, lidocaine, histamine dihydrochloride, hydrocortisone, and/or capsaicin. Although studies are ongoing, CBD, or Cannabidiol oil, has also become a popular ingredient in many analgesic creams, lotions, and ointments.