Cheddars is a popular American casual dining restaurant chain that serves Southern, Southwestern, and American cuisine. Like many restaurants, Cheddars offers certain pain relief medications for customers who request them, usually for things like headaches, muscle aches, menstrual cramps, etc. The most common active ingredients in these over-the-counter pain medications are acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil), and naproxen sodium (Aleve). Let’s take a deeper look at what’s typically in the pain relievers at Cheddars.
Acetaminophen
Acetaminophen is an analgesic (pain reliever) and fever reducer that’s commonly used for mild to moderate pain and reducing fever. It’s the active ingredient in Tylenol and other drug brands. Acetaminophen works by inhibiting the synthesis of prostaglandins, hormone-like substances that induce fever and pain sensations. Some key facts about acetaminophen:
– Sold over the counter under brand names like Tylenol, Mapap, Ofirmev.
– Typically comes in 325 mg or 500 mg doses for oral tablets.
– Considered very safe at recommended doses but can cause severe liver damage in high amounts.
– Doesn’t reduce inflammation like NSAID pain relievers do.
– Tablets may contain other inactive ingredients like starch, stearic acid, pregelatinized starch, etc.
Acetaminophen is likely one of the pain relief options Cheddars has available since it’s so widely used for minor aches and pains. It provides effective pain relief and fever reduction without anti-inflammatory effects or stomach irritation that comes with NSAIDs like ibuprofen.
Ibuprofen
Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to relieve pain, fever, and inflammation. It’s the active ingredient in Advil, Motrin, and other brands. Ibuprofen works by blocking the production of prostaglandins, which are chemicals that promote pain signals, fever, and inflammation in the body. Key facts about ibuprofen:
– Sold over the counter under names like Advil, Motrin, Midol, etc.
– Typically comes in 200 mg tablets, sometimes 100 mg or 400+ mg.
– Provides pain relief, fever reduction, and anti-inflammatory effects.
– Can cause stomach upset, bleeding, or ulcers, especially at high doses.
– Inactive ingredients may include corn starch, colloidal silicon dioxide, croscarmellose sodium, etc.
Ibuprofen is probably available at Cheddars since it’s a go-to medication for minor pain and fever. Its anti-inflammatory properties make it effective for body aches from inflammation, headaches, muscle soreness, menstrual cramps, and more.
Naproxen Sodium
Naproxen sodium is also an NSAID pain reliever and anti-inflammatory drug. It’s the active ingredient in products like Aleve, Midol Extended Relief, and Naprosyn. Naproxen works the same way as ibuprofen, by inhibiting prostaglandins that induce pain, fever, and inflammation. Key characteristics of naproxen sodium:
– Sold over the counter as Aleve, Midol Extended Relief, and generic naproxen.
– Typically 220 mg tablets for OTC use.
– Provides pain relief with anti-inflammatory and fever reducing effects.
– Can cause GI side effects like stomach bleeding or ulcers.
– Has a longer duration of action than other NSAIDs, lasting up to 12 hours.
Naproxen sodium could be among the pain relief choices at Cheddars since it’s readily available over the counter and provides longer relief than ibuprofen. It’s effective for various types of body pain, headaches, fevers, and inflammatory conditions.
Combination Medications
Some over-the-counter pain medications combine different active ingredients for added pain relief. Common combination drugs include:
– Excedrin – acetaminophen, aspirin, and caffeine. The caffeine acts as a stimulant to increase the effectiveness of the pain relievers.
– Advil Dual Action – ibuprofen and acetaminophen. Combines the benefits of both medications for added pain relief.
– Midol Complete – acetaminophen, antihistamine, and caffeine. The antihistamine diphenhydramine relieves menstrual symptoms like cramps and water retention.
Cheddars may keep certain combination pain medications on hand to provide maximum relief. The caffeine or antihistamine add an extra dimension for consumers seeking to treat severe or menstrual pain.
Dosage and Safety
It’s important to take any over-the-counter pain medication as directed on the packaging. Some key dosage and safety tips:
– Carefully read the drug facts label for proper dosing based on your age and the specific product.
– Take only the recommended dose based on the active drug ingredients.
– Limit daily dosage to avoid exceeding the maximum daily limits.
– Don’t take multiple drugs with the same active ingredients like acetaminophen or ibuprofen, which increases your risk of side effects.
– Discontinue use if you experience signs of allergic reaction, skin rash, severe GI upset, etc.
– Avoid drinking alcohol when taking OTC pain medications, which further increases the risk of side effects.
When using any medication, including OTC pain relievers from Cheddars, carefully follow dosage directions and watch for possible side effects. Generally healthy adults can safely use these products infrequently for temporary pain relief. But those with certain medical conditions or taking other medications should consult a doctor first.
Conclusion
Cheddars likely keeps common over-the-counter pain medications containing acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and naproxen sodium on hand to provide relief for mild headaches, body aches, cramps, fevers, and other discomforts. These active ingredients are safe and effective when used as directed. Combination drugs may also be available for added pain relief or menstrual symptom treatment. Like with any medication, consumers should carefully follow dosage guidelines and warnings to avoid potential side effects or drug interactions. For severe or chronic pain, it’s best to consult a physician for appropriate treatment options.