Pain Relievers & Fever Reducers — Targeted Relief

Pain relievers fall into two main groups:

• NSAIDs — Ibuprofen, Mefenamic Acid (Ponstan), Aspirin, Naproxen, Diclofenac. Three actions: pain relief, fever reduction, and anti-inflammation, by blocking COX enzymes that make prostaglandins.
• Paracetamol/Acetaminophen — eases pain and fever but doesn't reduce inflammation. Gentler on the stomach, safe for young children and pregnancy.

OTC NSAIDs in Thailand — Ibuprofen 400mg suits general pain across the board; Ponstan is particularly strong for menstrual cramps. For pain with inflammation, NSAIDs beat paracetamol.

Both are NSAIDs with similar mechanisms but different strengths.

• Ibuprofen 400mg — broad-spectrum: headache, migraine, muscle pain, joint pain, toothache, fever. 200-400mg every 4-6 hours, max 1,200mg/day.
• Mefenamic Acid (Ponstan) — strongest for period pain, cutting uterine prostaglandins powerfully. 250-500mg every 6-8 hours, max 1,500mg/day. Onset ~30 min.

For severe menstrual cramps, Ponstan often beats Ibuprofen. For general pain, headache, or fever, Ibuprofen wins. Both contraindicated in NSAID allergy, stomach/kidney/heart disease, and third-trimester pregnancy.

NSAIDs cover most everyday pain and fever cases.

• Headache, migraine — Ibuprofen works for both tension and acute migraine.
• Period cramps — Mefenamic Acid and Ibuprofen reduce uterine contractions.
• Muscle, back pain — office strain, post-workout soreness.
• Joint pain, osteoarthritis — for occasional flare-ups.
• Toothache, gum inflammation — eases both pain and swelling.
• Fever from cold or flu — Ibuprofen works well for adults.
• Sprains, strains, bruises — controls early-stage inflammation.

For chronic pain, see a doctor. Don't take NSAIDs for more than 10 days without medical advice.

Dose depends on the drug — always follow the label.

• Ibuprofen, adults and children 12+ — 200-400mg every 4-6 hours; max 1,200mg/day (OTC).
• Mefenamic Acid (Ponstan) — 500mg first, then 250-500mg every 6-8 hours; max 1,500mg/day. Use ≤ 7 days.
• Take with or after food — reduces stomach irritation.
• Never on an empty stomach — raises ulcer risk.
• Don't combine multiple NSAIDs — never mix Ibuprofen + Ponstan + Aspirin.
• Avoid alcohol — liver and stomach risk.

If symptoms don't improve in 3 days for fever or 7 days for pain, stop and see a doctor.

All NSAIDs (Ibuprofen, Mefenamic Acid) share a similar side-effect profile — safe at recommended short-term doses.

Common (not dangerous):

• Stomach pain, heartburn, nausea
• Bloating, indigestion
• Mild headache, dizziness, drowsiness

Stop and seek help if:

• Vomiting blood or black stools → stomach bleeding
• Rash, swollen face, breathing trouble → allergy; ER visit
• Reduced urine output, leg swelling → kidney issue
• Chest pain, irregular heartbeat → heart risk
• Ponstan — diarrhea more often than Ibuprofen

Older adults and long-term users have higher risk.

The following groups should avoid all NSAIDs (Ibuprofen, Mefenamic Acid) — use paracetamol or consult a doctor.

• Third-trimester pregnancy — strictly contraindicated.
• Active stomach or intestinal ulcers — bleeding risk.
• Chronic kidney disease — strains kidneys.
• Heart disease, uncontrolled hypertension — cardiovascular risk.
• Aspirin or NSAID allergy — including aspirin-induced asthma.
• Children under 6 months — use paracetamol; Ponstan is for ages 14+ only.
• People on warfarin or blood thinners — bleeding risk.

If you're in any of these groups, always check with a pharmacist or doctor first.

Both Ibuprofen and Mefenamic Acid are sold OTC in Thailand — buy from trusted sources.

• Store below 30°C, away from sun and moisture.
• Check the expiry date every time.
• Keep in original packaging to prevent moisture.
• Keep out of children's reach — NSAID overdose in kids is dangerous.
• Buy from licensed pharmacies with Thai FDA registration. Avoid unofficial channels.

Intimo Life stocks only Thai FDA-registered drugs — Ibuprofen 400mg (Ibrofen, Gofen) and Mefenamic Acid (Ponstan) — with fast delivery and a pharmacist on hand. Buy pain relievers online at Intimo Life — safe, nationwide.