Headache Relief

Provides relief for tension-type headache (TTH) and does not irritate the stomach the way naproxen sodium or ibuprofen can2-6

Proven efficacy in TTH

The efficacy of acetaminophen in the treatment of tension headache has been demonstrated in numerous clinical trials.9

Simple headache relief tips10

Patients can try these instead of or in addition to an analgesic:

  • Heat: Hot shower or bath; heating pad applied to head and neck muscles
  • Cold: Icepack or cool compress placed on the forehead
  • Self-massage: Gentle rubbing of the temples, scalp, neck, and shoulders
  • Relaxation techniques: Deep breathing, guided imagery, or progressive muscle relaxation11

Rebound headache risk

Taking an OTC pain reliever more than 3 times a week on a regular basis can lead to rebound headaches.8 Patients should bring frequent use to your attention.

When headaches come with cold or flu

Patients may not know their OTC cold and flu remedies contain an analgesic. To avoid overuse, remind patients to check labels and avoid treating headaches with the same active ingredient present in their other medications.

Recognizing TTH pain and common triggers7,8

TTH pain is often described as:

  • “Vise-like” or like a “band around the head”

TTH pain has 2 or more of the following characteristics:

  • Bilateral
  • Mild to moderate in intensity
  • Pressing or tightening sensation (not throbbing or pulsing)
  • Not worsened by routine activity such as bending over or climbing stairs

Common TTH triggers include:

  • Stress
  • Jaw clenching
  • Too little sleep
  • Missed meals
  • Intense work
  • Depression
  • Anxiety

TYLENOL® is appropriate for many different types of pain

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REFERENCES: 1. Beithon J, Gallenberg M, Johnson K, et al. Institute for Clinical Systems Improvement. Diagnosis and treatment of headache. http://bit.ly/Headache0113. Updated January 2013. Accessed February 23, 2017. 2. Data on file. TYLENOL® Professional Product Information. McNeil Consumer Healthcare. Fort Washington, PA; 2010. 3. Hoftiezer JW, O’Laughlin JC, Ivey KJ. Effects of 24 hours of aspirin, Bufferin, paracetamol and placebo on normal human gastroduodenal mucosa. Gut. 1982;23(8):692-697. 4. Blot WJ, McLaughlin JK. Over the counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and risk of gastrointestinal bleeding. J Epidemiol Biostat. 2000;5(2):137-142. 5. US National Library of Medicine. 4.Naproxen. https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/meds/a681029.html. Revised September 15, 2015. Accessed June 15, 2016. 6. Frech EJ, Go MF. Treatment and chemoprevention of NSAID-associated gastrointestinal complications. Ther Clin Risk Manag. 2009;5(1):65-73. 7. American Migraine Foundation. Tension-type headache. https://americanmigrainefoundation.org/living-with-migraines/types-of-headachemigraine/tension-type-headache/. Updated May 27, 2014. Accessed February 23, 2017. 8. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Headache: hope through research. https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/Patient-Caregiver-Education/Hope-Through-Research/Headache-Hope-Through-Research#3138_2. April 2016. Accessed February 23, 2017. 9. Yoon YJ, Kim JH, Kim SY, Hwang IH, Kim MR. A comparison of efficacy and safety of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs versus acetaminophen in the treatment of episodic tension-type headache: a meta-analysis of randomized placebo-controlled trial studies. Korean J Fam Med. 2012;33:262-271. 10. Mayo Clinic. Tension-type headaches: self-care measures for relief. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tension-headache/in-depth/headaches/art-20047631?pg=2. July 28, 2015. Accessed February 23, 2017. 11. Cleveland Clinic. Relaxation and other alternative approaches for managing headaches. http://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/relaxation-and-other-alternative-approaches-for-managing-headaches. Reviewed December 28, 2012. Accessed February 23, 2017.