Headache tablets comparison 2020
The 12 best headache medications at a glance.
You too regularly suffer from tension headaches and migraines? Then you have probably already tried different headache tablets. But not all pain relievers are suitable for every type of headache.
Clinical tests have shown, that a preparation made from ASA, paracetamol and caffeine works much better for migraines as aspirin or paracetamol alone. Find out which headache medication is right for you in our comparison table and say goodbye to the headache.
| Headache tablets comparison | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Illustration | Compare winner
 |
 |
Price-performance winner
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| model | Thomapyrin intense | Ibu-ratiopharm 400 mg acute | Paracetamol ratiopharm 500 mg | Aspirin 500 mg | Heumann Ibuprofen 400 | Aspirin effect | Ibu-Lysine Hexal 684 mg | ASS-ratiopharm 500 mg | Ibu 400 acute | Diclac Dolo 25 mg | Naratriptan AL acute | Migra Med |
| valuation on Amazon |
41 reviews | 65 reviews | 68 reviews | 57 reviews | 242 reviews | 16 reviews | 102 reviews | 80 ratings | 77 ratings | 37 reviews | 14 reviews | 109 reviews |
| application areas |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Recommended age according to the package insert |
from 12 years | from 12 years | from 4 years Body weight at least 17 kg |
from 12 years | from 6 years Body weight at least 20 kg |
from 18 years for children and adolescents only after medical recommendation |
from 6 years Body weight at least 20 kg |
from 18 years for children and adolescents only after medical recommendation |
from 6 years Body weight at least 20 kg |
from 16 years | 18-65 years | no manufacturer information |
| effect & ingredients | ||||||||||||
| soothing | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| antipyretic | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| anti-inflammatory | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| activating | Yes | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No |
| Active Ingredient (s) Amount per single dose |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| dosage & product details | ||||||||||||
| Dosage Form | tablet | tablet | tablet | tablet | tablet | granules for oral use |
tablet | tablet | tablet | tablet | tablet | capsule |
| quantity | 20 tablets € 0.27 per tablet |
50 tablets € 0.06 per tablet |
20 tablets € 0.06 per tablet |
80 tablets € 0.16 per tablet |
50 tablets € 0.07 per tablet |
20 bags € 0.80 per bag |
50 tablets 0.15 € per tablet |
100 tablets € 0.04 per tablet |
50 tablets € 0.11 per tablet |
20 tablets € 0.23 per tablet |
2 tablets € 1.41 per tablet |
60 capsules 0.17 € per capsule |
| Recommended dosage Single dose | daily dose Always adhere to the manufacturer’s dosage recommendations! It is only safe to deviate from this under medical supervision. |
1 – 2 tablets up to 6 tablets a day |
½ – 1 tablets up to 3 tablets a day |
½ – 2 tablets up to 8 tablets a day |
1 – 2 tablets up to 3 tablets a day |
½ – 1 tablet up to 3 tablets a day |
1 – 2 bags up to 6 bags a day |
½ – 1 tablet up to 3 tablets a day |
1 – 2 tablets up to 6 tablets a day |
½ – 1 tablet up to 3 tablets a day |
1 tablet up to 3 tablets a day |
1 tablet up to 2 tablets a day |
1 capsule 2 capsules a day |
| duration of use maximum If your symptoms have not improved at the end of the maximum period of use, you should always consult a doctor. |
no longer than 4 days | no longer than 4 days | no longer than 3 days | no longer than 3 to 4 days | no longer than 4 days | no longer than 4 days | ½ – 1 tablet up to 3 tablets a day |
no longer than 4 days | no longer than 4 days | no longer than 4 days | no longer than 1 day | long-term medication for migraine prevention |
| benefits |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| product details | product details | product details | ||||||||||
| Questions and answers about the product | Questions and answers about Thomapyrin Intensive | Questions and answers about Ibu-ratiopharm 400 mg acute | Questions and answers about Paracetamol ratiopharm 500 mg | Questions and answers about Aspirin 500 mg | Questions and answers about Heumann Ibuprofen 400 | Questions and answers about Aspirin Effect | Questions and answers about Ibu-Lysine Hexal 684 mg | Questions and answers about ASS-ratiopharm 500 mg | Questions and answers on Ibu 400 acute | Questions and answers about Diclac Dolo 25 mg | Questions and answers about Naratriptan AL acute | Questions and answers about Migra Med |
| to offer | To offer " | To offer " | To offer " | To offer " | To offer " | To offer " | To offer " | To offer " | To offer " | To offer " | To offer " | To offer " |
| Available at* |
- approx. 5 € to the offer »
- approx. 4 € to the offer »
- approx. 5 € to the offer »
- approx. 4 € to the offer »
- approx. 5 € to the offer »
- approx. 5 € to the offer »
- approx. 5 € to the offer »
- approx. 5 € to the offer »
- approx. 6 € To the offer »
- approx. 4 € to the offer »
- approx. 4 € to the offer »
- approx. 5 € to the offer »
- approx. 5 € to the offer »
- Researched products
Did you like this comparison??
Share headache tablets comparison:
Headache pills buying advice:
How to choose the right product from the headache tablets test or comparison above
divide
Leave a Comment
- Headaches are extremely annoying, everyone can confirm that. In acute cases, headache pills promise immediate relief from the symptoms.
- Not all headache medications are created equal. Depending on the type of headache, you should use different preparations. For migraines, for example, combined preparations with ASA, paracetamol and caffeine have proven to be particularly effective.
- Even if you can buy pain relievers without a prescription, caution is advised. Follow the dosage recommendations and go to the doctor if the symptoms have not improved after a few days.
According to a survey by the statistics portal Statista More than half of all adult Germans suffer from headaches at least once a month. The acute pain can make any concentration impossible and thus inhibit productivity. 85% of those affected have therefore used prescription-free headache tablets at least once, another Statista survey.
The most common headache medications are acetaminophen, ibuprofen and acetylsalicylic acid (in short: ASS, especially known under the brand name Aspirin). The headache tablets are available as mono-preparations containing only the corresponding active ingredient, and combination preparations containing various active ingredients in order to accelerate, intensify or expand the spectrum of action. Particularly well-known combination preparations are Thomapyrin and Aspirin Complex.
1. The most common types of headache and their symptoms
There are a total of approximately 320 different types of headaches. In this chapter, however, we only want to introduce you to the most common types of headache.
We also give tips on which preparations from our large headache tablet comparison 2019/2020 are suitable for self-medication. These tips are based on the scientifically sound recommendations of the German Migraine and Headache Society.
1.1. Tension headaches
Tension headaches often occur together with tension in the neck muscles.
Tension headaches are the most common form of headache besides the migraine. Together, both diseases are responsible for approx. 90% of headache diagnoses.
Tension headaches always occur on both sides and are described as dull and oppressive. At the same time, you can experience tension in the shoulder and neck muscles – hence the name. According to the latest scientific findings, the tension is not the cause of the headache.
The following medications can help relieve tension headaches:
- recommendable: ASA, diclofenac, ibuprofen 400 and the following combination products: ASA + paracetamol + caffeine (for example thomapyrine) or paracetamol + caffeine
- Conditionally recommended: Paracetamol as a single preparation
- Recommended only in individual cases: Naproxen and the combined preparations: ASS + Paracetamol and ASS + Vitamin C
1.2. migraine
A one-sided headache is characteristic of a migraine.
Migraines are a common neurological disorder. Migraines occur particularly often in women, altogether about 10% of the population are affected.
The symptoms of a migraine attack are varied and can vary individually. Often there is a (medium) severe unilateral headache, which are described as pulsating or throbbing. Physical activities such as sports make migraine headaches worse. In addition, sufferers suffer from nausea or sensitivity to light or noise.
Some migraine sufferers also experience visual disturbances – For example, flashes of light or a partial loss of vision. These visual disturbances are called aura. In most cases, an aura precedes the headache phase by approximately one hour. Occasionally there is no migraine aura but also without the following headache.
The following medications are suitable as migraine tablets:
- Highly recommended: Combined preparations from ASA, paracetamol and caffeine
- recommendable: ASS, Ibuprofen, Naratriptan, Paracetamol
- Recommended only in individual cases: Naproxen and these combination products: ASS + Paracetamol and ASS + Vitamin C
Some herbal pain relievers are explicitly marketed for migraine prevention – for example preparations with butterbur extracts. Unfortunately, there is hardly any reliable scientific evidence for the effectiveness of such herbal migraine medication.
For more information on the topic of migraines, you can also watch the following contribution from the Bavarian Radio:
1.3. Cluster Headache
Cluster headache is characterized by extremely severe headache, which are located on one side of the eye socket and temple. Most cluster headache attacks occur relatively frequently in a certain period of time and then again not at all for a longer period.
Common pain relievers are ineffective in cluster headaches. The German Migraine and Headache Society only recommends prescription drugs as the first choice. So be sure to see a doctor if you suspect you have cluster headaches.
1.4. Sinus headache
Headaches can also be an accompanying symptom of other diseases. A typical example is the characteristic headache that occurs in the context of acute sinusitis.
Depending on which sinuses are affected by the sinusitis, the headache in the forehead or cheek area occurs and becomes stronger when you bend your head forward. With sinusitis, you can combat the symptoms of pain with conventional headache tablets. At the same time, you should also take action against the causes – for example with herbal expectorants such as Gelomyrtol or Sinupret and, if necessary, a decongestant nasal spray.
2. Purchase advice for headache tablets: You should pay attention to this
Finding the right headache remedy is not easy. In the following chapter we explain the most important aspects for your purchase decision.
2.1. Active ingredients: Overview of important advantages and disadvantages
As you already read in the previous chapter, there are different active ingredients depending on the type of headache that you can use for self-medication. To find the best headache tablets for your specific case, you should know about the advantages and disadvantages of the different drug groups.
| Active compound (group) | information |
|---|---|
| Acetylsalicylic acid (ASS) |
- acetylsalicylic acid is an active ingredient from the group of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Under the trade name "Aspirin" it is one of the best known pain relievers.
- ASA has an analgesic, anti-rheumatic and antipyretic effect, in higher doses too anti-inflammatory.
- ASA also inhibits blood clotting – this effect is not always desired and lasts up to 7 days.
- Attention: Under no circumstances should you take aspirin before or after an operation.
- ASA can short-term side effects such as nausea or heartburn, with regular use also irritation of the stomach lining and stomach ulcers.
- Also ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that Pain relieving, anthirheumatic, antipyretic and anti-inflammatory acts.
- In contrast to ASA, ibuprofen has little impact on blood clotting.
- frequent side effects are heartburn, nausea, or diarrhea. Prolonged use can lead to inflammation of the stomach and stomach ulcers.
- A special form of this active ingredient is Ibuprofen lysinate. In this form, ibuprofen can be better dissolved in the stomach, so that the effects are quicker. A well-known pain reliever with ibuprofen lysinate is "Dolormin".
- paracetamol belongs to the category of non-opioid analgesics and has an analgesic and antipyretic effect. Unlike ASA and ibuprofen, paracetamol is not anti-inflammatory.
- Kick when taking paracetamol rarely side effects on. However, it does in the event of an overdose, this leads to irreparable liver damage or even liver failure.
- Nice From an amount of active ingredient of 150 mg per kg body weight, one speaks of an overdose. For average adults, this is approximately two to three times the maximum daily dose.
- Warning: never take acetaminophen with alcohol. This combination can lead to a dangerous overdose very quickly.
- triptans are active ingredients that for the treatment of acute migraine attacks and cluster headaches are used.
- Triptans are generally prescription-only, the only exceptions are naratriptan and almotriptan – with a maximum of two tablets per pack.
- Typical side effect are dizziness, hot flashes, nausea and a slight feeling of weakness.
- Warning: Do not take triptans if you are being treated with antidepressants. Otherwise, life-threatening serotonin syndrome can occur.
2.2. Once controversial combined preparations work better than single preparations
The active ingredients of headache tablets are often combined with caffeine. This has two advantages: Caffeine has a faster effect and is also enhanced. Because caffeine alone has a certain pain relieving effect.
In the past, headache tablets with caffeine were considered controversial. Today, however, clinical studies have shown that these are often just as tolerable as monopreparations, but work better.
2.3. Pharmaceutical form: Granules act faster
The form in which you take a headache medication can affect when it starts. Film-coated tablets have to be dissolved in the stomach before the active ingredients can pass into the blood, this is not the case with granules, effervescent tablets or drops for headaches. Therefore, they usually work a little faster.
2.4. Price tip: Generics are cheaper than branded preparations
Medicines can be expensive, especially if you buy the well-known branded products. It is very easy to save cash: After the patent for a headache medication has expired, other manufacturers may also offer this headache medication – often at a significantly lower price.
These cheap medicines are called generics. Well-known manufacturers of generic drugs are Ratiopharm or 1A Pharma.
Your pharmacist will be happy to explain the risks and side effects of the various headache medications.
3. The amount makes the poison: Safe handling of medication
Medicines are not harmless lozenges. Incorrect intake or excessive doses can have dangerous effects on your health. Therefore, you should always observe the following basic rules:
- Read the package insert! It contains all important information in one place. Information about the conditions under which you are not allowed to take a certain headache medication. Read the leaflet online before you order a headache medication.
- Follow the dosage recommendations! Never take more than the recommended maximum daily dose. Overdoses can be very dangerous, especially with paracetamol.
- Take interactions into account! If you also need to take other medications such as sleeping pills or cough syrup, always check all leaflets for potential interactions.
- If in doubt: go to the doctor! If you are unsure about taking a headache medication or if your symptoms persist for several days, you should always consult a doctor.
4. Mom, my head hurts: headache medication for children
Medicines for infants
The important excretory organs liver and kidney are only fully developed after two years. Therefore, you should always see a pediatrician in the first two years of life before giving your child medication.
With all parental caution: Your children do not have to endure all the pain stoically. Ibuprofen and paracetamol in lower doses are also well tolerated by children. However, you should never give your children aspirin: The active ingredient acetylsalicylic acid can trigger the life-threatening Reye syndrome in children.
If you give your children headache tablets, it is essential to adhere to the dosage information in the package insert. The tablets may have to be divided using a break groove – this can be done particularly precisely with a pill divider.
If your child does not want to swallow tablets, you can also choose another application – for example suppositories or drops for headaches.
5. Grandma’s bag of tricks: home remedies for headaches
Natural remedies for headaches: Lavender tea has an anxiolytic and relaxing effect.
Many people are reluctant to take medication and would prefer to fight headaches with natural means. Unfortunately, there is hardly any reliable information which home remedies for headaches also help objectively.
However, we can give you some health tips:
- Have a drink regularly! A lack of fluids is a common trigger for headaches. So drink a glass of water or a cup of tea for your headache more often.
- Go for a walk! Exercising in the fresh air is healthy and also helps against headaches.
- Relax! Stress can trigger or aggravate headaches. Anything that serves to reduce stress can also relieve your headache. Meditate, do some yoga exercises, or drink a lavender tea.
- Use peppermint oil! In a single clinical study in the 1990s, peppermint oil was shown to help relieve tension headaches as a herbal pain reliever. Rub a few drops on your temples and forehead, after 15 to 30 minutes you should feel an improvement.
- Have a coffee! Caffeine is not only stimulating, but also slightly pain relieving.
Advantages and disadvantages of home remedies over medication:
- few side effects
- no pharmacy required
- usually not effective enough for severe headaches
6. Frequently asked questions about headache tablets
What does the Stiftung Warentest say about painkillers?
There are homeopathic remedies for headaches?
Where can I buy headache tablets?
7. The main pain reliever brands and abbreviations
Of course, you know that aspirin helps against pain and fever. But did you also know that ASS-ratiopharm is exactly the same? We have put together the most important manufacturers, trade names and drug abbreviations for you.
- aspirin
- ASS
- Dolormin
- Ibu
- Ibuprofen 400
- Neodolor
- Nurofen
- paracetamol
- Ratiopharm
- gap
- Thomapyrin
- Vivimed
- Wobenzym
Related Posts
-
Quiz games test & comparison »top 7 in january 2020
Quiz games comparison 2020 The 7 best knowledge games at a glance. Quiz games are not only fun, they also keep your brain cells fresh. At first there are…
-
Children’s sunglasses test & comparison »top 6 in january 2020
Children’s sunglasses comparison 2020 The 6 best children’s sunglasses at a glance. When it comes to sun protection, sunscreen alone is not enough to get…
-
Gps tracker kind test & comparison »top 10 in january 2020
GPS tracker child comparison 2020 The 10 best direction finders for children at a glance. In the supermarket, in the city or on the way home: children…
-
Steering slide test & comparison »top 9 in january 2020
Steering slide comparison 2020 The 9 best steerable sleds at a glance. In addition to classic wooden sledges, steering sledges have become increasingly…