Naproxen. Naproxen (Aleve) is one of the most powerful anti-inflammatory pain reliever available without a prescription. It is especially effective for sprains, sunburns and arthritis. Naproxen usually lasts longer than other over-the-counter pain relievers.
Naproxen is considered to be the strongest anti-inflammatory medication available over the counter, says Walia. However, this doesn't mean other OTC anti-inflammatories aren't just as effective at reducing inflammation — they just have different durations of action.
Ibuprofen for children Brand names: Nurofen for Children, Calprofen, Brufen. Find out how ibuprofen for children treats pain and inflammation (swelling) including cold symptoms, teething, toothache, sprains and strains, and reduces a high temperature, and how to take it.
Use of NSAIDs can also cause ulcers and bleeding in the stomach and other parts of the gastrointestinal tract (gut). Other common side effects of NSAIDs include: raised liver enzymes (detected by a blood test, this is more commonly associated with diclofenac than other NSAIDs) diarrhoea.
What are some anti-inflammatory medications for asthma? Inhaled corticosteroids are the most effective medications you can take to reduce airway swelling and mucus production. The benefits of using these medicines include: Fewer symptoms and asthma flare-ups.
NSAIDs (applies to Voltaren) asthma
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are contraindicated in patients with history of asthma, urticaria, or other allergic-type reactions after taking aspirin or other NSAIDs; severe, sometimes fatal, anaphylactic reactions to NSAIDs have been reported in such patients.
Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
NSAIDs are your first-line defense when looking for prednisone alternatives. These medications work by blocking certain enzymes that cause pain and swelling. Common OTC NSAIDs include: Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) – Great for general inflammation and pain.
Available without a prescription, after consultation with a pharmacist.
Etoricoxib is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to relieve pain and inflammation associated with conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and acute gouty arthritis.
Can I buy Naproxen over the counter? Yes, a brand called Feminax Ultra is available over the counter for treating period pain. However, for conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, Naproxen is typically only available via prescription as Naproxen 500mg tablets.
To get rid of inflammation fast, use the RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) for acute injuries, adopt an anti-inflammatory diet rich in fruits, veggies, and omega-3s while cutting sugar and processed foods, manage stress with relaxation techniques, get quality sleep (7-8 hours), and consider supplements like fish oil or curcumin (turmeric). Gentle movement and staying hydrated with water or green tea also significantly help.
Aspirin, naproxen, ibuprofen, diclofenac, and COX-2 inhibitors such as celecoxib and meloxicam are the best anti-inflammatory medications available in Australia. A pharmacist and a GP may be able to guide you on the right medicine according to your condition.
You can take ibuprofen 800 mg 4 times a day or every 6 hours. Ibuprofen 800 mg is a prescription-strength dosage. The total recommended dose is 3200 mg per day. Do not exceed 800 mg per dose.
Low-dose ibuprofen (dosages up to 1200mg per day) is considered an alternative to naproxen. However, higher dosages of ibuprofen (up to the recommended maximum of 2400mg/day) are associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular events. You should use NSAIDs with caution if you have already had a heart attack or stroke.
have or have had stomach ulcers, bleeding in the stomach or intestines, or a hole in your stomach. have high blood pressure. have severe liver or kidney failure. have severe heart failure or other heart problems.
It takes Etoricoxib at least one hour to bring in pain and swelling relief.
ARCOXIA tablets are available in four strengths: 30 mg blue-green, apple-shaped, biconvex film coated tablets marked 'ACX 30' on one side and '101' on the other. 60 mg dark green, apple-shaped, biconvex film coated tablets marked 'ARCOXIA 60' on one side and '200' on the other.
Etoricoxib, sold under brand names including Arcoxia, Exinef and Nucoxia is a selective COX-2 inhibitor developed and commercialized by Merck.
Celebrex and Aleve are both NSAIDs that reduce the production of prostaglandins in the body, as it is responsible for initiating pain and inflammation. Both drugs are highly effective against swelling and pain; therefore, they also work against various types of arthritis.
You generally need a doctor's prescription for antibiotics from Chemist Warehouse in Australia, but in some locations like Queensland and New Zealand, pharmacists can supply specific antibiotics (like for UTIs) without a script for certain conditions, and you can also get e-scripts from online doctors for delivery through Chemist Warehouse. So, while direct over-the-counter purchase is rare, options exist for getting them with pharmacist consultation or an online script.
Hydromorphone and fentanyl modified release products should also not be used in opioid naïve patients (patients who do not already use opioid medicines regularly). Fentanyl is one of the strongest opioids available in Australia.
While there are no direct over-the-counter (OTC) replacements for prednisone, certain OTC options like ibuprofen (Advil), antihistamines, and topical corticosteroids can help manage milder symptoms such as pain, swelling, itching, and congestion.
New findings presented at the 2025 American Thoracic Society (ATS) International Conference suggest that methotrexate may be considered an effective alternative treatment to prednisone for pulmonary sarcoidosis.
Beyond NSAIDs: DMARDs & Biologics
For chronic inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, sometimes traditional inflammation medication isn't enough. That's where disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and biologics come in – think of them as precision instruments rather than broad-spectrum tools.