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Family Medicine Physician Dr. Thomas Vento, Worthington Personal Physicians.

Mercy's Dr. Thomas Vento Discusses The Differences Between Over-The-Counter Pain Relievers On WBAL-TV11's Woman's Doctor

While many people consider over-the-counter medications to be mostly similar and safe, doctors said there are differences about each that you need to remember.

Mercy family medicine physician Dr. Thomas Vento of Worthington Personal Physicians said all over-the-counter pain relievers have risks and rewards.

He said the popular, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or N-SAIDs, are all similar and he recommended them for a strain, sprain or a sore throat, but not for everyday use.

"With prolonged use or if you exceed the recommended dose, you can have a bleed in the stomach, which can be very serious," Dr. Vento said.

Tylenol is the only pain reliever recommended for pregnant women, but it can also be dangerous if used improperly.

"Toxicity starts at six grams, so if you go a little overboard and take too much, you run the risk of serious liver damage, which — if not treated — can be irreversible," Dr. Vento said.

While aspirin is not recommended for children, pregnant women or for use as a pain reliever, it can be effective for those with certain heart issues.

"Aspirin intervention can be very beneficial for people who've had heart issues. If you have a patient who's had a heart attack, you want them on aspirin -- hands down," Dr. Vento said.

To view Dr. Vento's interview on WBAL-TV11's "Woman's Doctor" program, click this link: http://www.wbaltv.com/womansdoctor/22845057/detail.html.