Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. For people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, consuming gluten can cause serious health issues like abdominal pain, bloating, and diarrhea. When choosing over-the-counter pain relievers, it’s important for gluten-sensitive individuals to select products that are guaranteed gluten-free. There are many common pain relievers that fit this description.
Acetaminophen
Acetaminophen, also known as paracetamol, is one of the most widely used pain and fever relievers. The active ingredient acetaminophen is naturally gluten-free. Some common brand names for acetaminophen include Tylenol, Mapap, and Panadol. When checking labels, it’s important to verify no gluten ingredients have been added, like wheat starch. Generally, store brand acetaminophen tablets contain no gluten. Tylenol arthritis extended relief caplets are labeled gluten-free. Tylenol 8 hour arthritis pain extended release tablets are also gluten-free.
Aspirin
Aspirin is an over-the-counter NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) commonly used to reduce fever and relieve minor aches and pains. The main ingredients in aspirin are salicylic acid and acetic acid, neither of which contains gluten. Major brands of aspirin like Bayer chewable low dose aspirin tablets and Ecotrin adult low strength tablets are labeled gluten-free. As with any medication, double check labels to confirm gluten ingredients haven’t been added. Plain aspirin is naturally free of gluten.
Ibuprofen
Ibuprofen is an NSAID pain reliever that works by blocking pain and inflammation causing chemicals. The active ingredient ibuprofen does not contain any gluten. Major brands of ibuprofen like Advil and Motrin state their products are gluten-free. Store brand ibuprofen tablets also typically do not contain gluten. With any brand, inspect the ingredients list and contact the manufacturer if you have any concerns about gluten content.
Naproxen Sodium
Naproxen sodium is an anti-inflammatory pain reliever commonly sold under the brand name Aleve for treating minor aches, pains, headaches, and fevers. The active ingredient naproxen sodium is gluten-free. According to their website, Aleve caplets and tablets are gluten-free. Other generic naproxen sodium products are also likely to be gluten-free, but contact the manufacturer to confirm. As with any medication, check labels for potential added ingredients containing gluten like wheat starch.
Acetaminophen and Ibuprofen Combinations
Some over-the-counter pain relievers combine acetaminophen and ibuprofen in one tablet. These combination products provide the benefits of both medications. Common combination brand names include Advil Dual Action and Tylenol Extra Strength Plus Ibuprofen. These products typically do not contain any gluten ingredients, but it’s wise to check labels and contact manufacturers to verify gluten-free status. Generic acetaminophen/ibuprofen combinations are also likely to be gluten-free.
Aspirin and Acetaminophen Combinations
Combining aspirin with acetaminophen provides multi-symptom relief by addressing pain, fever, and inflammation. Brand name combination products like Excedrin Extra Strength and Excedrin Migraine are labeled gluten-free. Store brand acetaminophen plus aspirin tablets also do not contain gluten, unless explicitly listed in the ingredients. With any product, inspect labels carefully looking for wheat, barley, rye or malt. Contact the manufacturer with any questions.
Caffeine Added Pain Relievers
Some over-the-counter pain relievers contain added caffeine to enhance their effects. Examples include Excedrin Migraine, which combines acetaminophen, aspirin, and caffeine, and Anacin Advanced Headache Formula, which contains acetaminophen and caffeine. These products are typically gluten-free, but always check labels for wheat-derived ingredients which are sometimes added to tablets and capsules. Generic acetaminophen plus caffeine tablets are also generally gluten-free.
Topical Pain Relievers
Topical pain relieving creams, gels, sprays, and patches provide localized pain relief when applied to the skin. These products contain active ingredients like menthol, camphor, lidocaine, and salicylates that work by cooling or heating irritated areas. Common brand names include Icy Hot, Aspercreme, Salonpas, and Bengay. These topical products do not absorb internally so they are less likely to contain gluten. However, it’s wise to check labels for any ingredients derived from grains like wheat starch. Contact manufacturers to confirm gluten content if uncertain.
Children’s Pain and Fever Relievers
Many over-the-counter pain and fever medications come in children’s formulations. Popular children’s acetaminophen brands include Tylenol and generic acetaminophen meltaway tablets. Children’s ibuprofen is sold under the brand name Motrin as well as generic versions. These children’s products do not contain any gluten ingredients unless explicitly listed on the label. Always inspect labels and contact manufacturers to verify gluten-free status, especially with chewable and liquid forms which may contain wheat-derived thickeners.
Cold and Flu Medications
Many over-the-counter cold and flu medicines contain pain relieving ingredients like acetaminophen, ibuprofen, aspirin, or naproxen sodium. Examples include DayQuil, NyQuil, Tylenol Cold + Flu, and Advil Cold & Sinus. These combination medicines relieve pain along with other cold and flu symptoms. They are generally gluten-free, but check labels since some contain wheat starch as an inactive ingredient. Contact the manufacturer if you have any concerns.
Menstrual Pain Relievers
Menstrual cramps and muscle pain can be alleviated with over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and naproxen sodium. Leading menstrual pain brands such as Midol, Pamprin, and Aleve feminax are labeled gluten-free. Generic menstrual pain relief tablets also typically do not contain gluten. Nonetheless, confirm gluten-free status by carefully reading ingredient labels. Call the manufacturer with any questions.
Migraine and Headache Medications
Migraine and headache prescription medications like sumatriptan (Imitrex) and rizatriptan (Maxalt) are generally gluten-free since they contain no wheat-derived ingredients. Some over-the-counter migraine relief products such as Excedrin Migraine are also gluten-free. Labels should always be thoroughly reviewed for any potential gluten content, especially looking for starch and malt ingredients. Contact manufacturers to confirm gluten-free claims.
Arthritis Pain Relievers
Arthritis medications like celecoxib (Celebrex), meloxicam (Mobic) and diclofenac (Voltaren) do not contain gluten. Some over-the-counter arthritis pain relievers like Tylenol arthritis extended relief caplets are labeled gluten-free. Always inspect ingredient labels and call manufacturers to verify gluten-free status, even with prescription arthritis drugs. Inactive pill ingredients may potentially contain wheat starch.
Back and Muscle Pain Relievers
OTC products targeted for back and muscle pain relief include ingredients like acetaminophen, ibuprofen, naproxen sodium, and salicylates. Brand names like Advil back and muscle and Aleve direct therapy are labeled gluten-free. Generic back and muscle pain tablets also do not contain gluten, unless specified in the ingredients list. As always, thoroughly inspect labels and contact manufacturers about any gluten concerns.
Toothache and Mouth Pain Medications
Toothache gels containing benzocaine like Orajel and Anbesol are gluten-free. Some oral pain medications like Tylenol Rapid Release gels are also labeled gluten-free. Generic benzocaine gels for tooth pain typically do not contain gluten. Nonetheless, confirm gluten content by checking labels and contacting manufacturers. Chewable oral pain tablets may contain wheat-derived fillers.
Sinus Headache and Congestion Products
Many over-the-counter allergy, sinus, and congestion medicines contain pain relievers like acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and naproxen sodium. Brands like Claritin sinus, Aleve sinus and headache, and Sudafed sinus pressure and pain are labeled gluten-free. Nonetheless, thoroughly inspect labels looking for potential wheat-based starch and malt ingredients. Call manufacturers with any concerns about possible gluten content.
Liquid Pain Relievers
Children’s liquid pain and fever reducers like Tylenol suspension and Advil pediatric drops are gluten-free. Adults may also prefer liquid pain relievers, which are typically free of gluten. Products like Tylenol extra strength cherry liquid and store brand acetaminophen drops do not contain any wheat ingredients unless specifically listed on the label. Contact manufacturers to confirm gluten-free status of any liquid pain medication.
Capsule and Softgel Pain Relievers
Many over-the-counter pain relief products come in easy to swallow capsules or softgels. For instance, Advil liqui-gels and Tylenol rapid release gelcaps are gluten-free. The gelatin capsules themselves are generally made from beef or pork rather than wheat sources. However, some inactive ingredients like wheat starch are occasionally added. Check capsule ingredient lists and call manufacturers to verify gluten-free claims, especially with generic products.
Suppositories
Rectal pain relief suppositories provide medication absorption without passing through the digestive system. This allows rapid, direct access to circulation. Acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and aspirin are available in suppository preparations. Brand names like FeverAll suppositories for kids and MAPAP acetaminophen adult suppositories are labeled gluten-free. These wax-based products contain no wheat-derived ingredients. Nonetheless, always confirm gluten-free status with manufacturers.
Considerations when Selecting Gluten-Free Pain Relievers
When selecting over-the-counter pain, fever, and inflammation medications, there are a few useful strategies for identifying gluten-free options:
- Carefully read all ingredients listed on labels
- Look for specific gluten-free labeling claims
- Choose nationally recognized name brands
- Contact manufacturers if uncertain about gluten content
- Consult with pharmacists for assistance identifying gluten-free medications
- Consider calling companies to request they label products gluten-free
- Select chewable tablets cautiously as they may contain gluten-based starches
- Opt for tablets over capsules which may have wheat starch
Being proactive about identifying gluten-free pain relief options ensures those with gluten sensitivities can safely and effectively manage their symptoms.
Table summarizing common gluten-free pain relievers
| Medication Type | Gluten-Free Brand Name Examples |
|---|---|
| Acetaminophen | Tylenol, Mapap, Panadol |
| Aspirin | Bayer, Ecotrin |
| Ibuprofen | Advil, Motrin |
| Naproxen Sodium | Aleve |
| Combination Products | Excedrin Migraine, Advil Dual Action |
| Topical Pain Relievers | Icy Hot, Aspercreme, Bengay |
Conclusion
Identifying gluten-free over-the-counter pain, fever, arthritis, headache, and menstrual relief products is crucial for managing symptoms while avoiding gluten. Many leading national brands of oral pain relievers clearly label products gluten-free and do not contain any wheat-based ingredients. Nonetheless, carefully inspecting labels and conferring with manufacturers provides an extra layer of assurance. Overall, most common oral pain relieving medications are formulated without gluten. Topical pain relief creams and gels are also less likely to contain gluten. Being a savvy shopper allows those sensitive to gluten to safely and effectively relieve their pain symptoms.