If I'm allergic to aspirin, what over-the-counter pain medication can I use?
If you are allergic to aspirin, that means
you have a "salicylate" allergy and should avoid using products with this ingredient, but there
are other medications you can use. There also is the likelihood that you are allergic to ibuprofen and naproxen - two other pain-relief
medications available both over-the-counter (OTC) and by prescription. Acetaminophen may be a suitable choice for
pain. Anyone with a salicylate allergy also may be allergic to other oral OTC medications that
have salicylate as an ingredient, such as Pepto Bismol® or Aspergum®, or topical creams
containing methyl salicylate, such as Ben-Gay®. Always check the list of active
ingredients on the drug label and packaging for the word "salicylate" or "salicylic acid", and
be sure to read the section on the label about product allergies. If you are unsure whether a
product contains salicylates, ask your pharmacist before purchasing or taking it.
Learn more about drug allergies in the
Health Encyclopedia.
View acetaminophen products available on
Walgreens.com.
If you're looking for more specific answers to specific questions, ask a Walgreens pharmacist here.
DISCLAIMER:
Answers to questions regarding information about medications or health conditions are not for
diagnostic or treatment purposes and are not conclusive as to the presence or absence of any
health condition. Consult your physician for diagnosis and treatment of your medical condition.
The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. Advances in medicine may cause
this information to become outdated, invalid or subject to debate. Professional opinions and
interpretations of the scientific literature may vary. Walgreens' terms of use and general
warranty disclaimer apply to all services provided. If you are in need of immediate medical
attention, contact your physician, poison control center or emergency medical professional. If
you need to speak with a pharmacist for non-emergency matters, contact your local Walgreens
pharmacist or call a Walgreens.com pharmacist toll-free at 1 (877) 250-5823.
