WASHINGTON (Dispatches) Acetaminophen is much safer than most over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen (Advil and generic) and naproxen (Aleve and generic), according to a recent report by Consumer Reports Best Buy Drugs. The reason is, acetaminophen is unlike other common, over-the-counter pain medications, like ibuprofen and naproxen, which can aggravate high blood pressure, and in turn raise a person's risk of having a heart attack. Those drugs can also cause fluid retention. In people who have a "weak heart” (due to congestive heart failure or left ventricular dysfunction), that could make symptoms worse. Acetaminophen has not been shown to have those effects.
As the drug has a good record for safety and effectiveness, when used according to labeling instructions, it’s has long been recommended as the best pain reliever option for people who also have a heart condition.
Acetaminophen can help relieve mild to moderate pain, including headaches and joint pain from osteoarthritis, and is gentler on the stomach than drugs like ibuprofen and naproxen, which can cause gastrointestinal irritation, ulcers, and bleeding.
Having said that, you’ll still need to be careful when taking acetaminophen. High doses can damage the liver, so take the lowest dose you can to get enough pain relief, and don’t take more than 3,250 milligrams or 10 325-mg pills in a day. And because acetaminophen shows up in so many products, check all drug labels for acetaminophen to make sure you stay below the safe upper limit. Avoid acetaminophen altogether if you are at risk for liver disease.