From the FDA Drug Label
The FDA drug label does not answer the question.
From the Research
For tension headaches, the most effective treatment is acetaminophen 1000mg, which provides a small benefit in terms of being pain-free at two hours, as shown in a high-quality study published in 2016 1.
Key Points to Consider
- Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB) 200-400mg, acetaminophen (Tylenol) 500-1000mg, or aspirin 325-650mg taken at the onset of pain are typically effective.
- Take these medications as directed on the package, generally every 4-6 hours as needed, not exceeding the maximum daily dose (ibuprofen 1200mg/day, acetaminophen 3000mg/day, aspirin 4000mg/day).
- Combination medications containing caffeine, such as Excedrin, can also be helpful.
- For prevention, maintain good hydration, practice stress management techniques like deep breathing or meditation, ensure regular sleep patterns, and consider physical approaches like gentle neck stretches or applying a warm compress to tense muscles.
- If headaches are frequent (more than twice weekly), consult a healthcare provider as preventive medications like amitriptyline or topiramate might be appropriate, as supported by a review of the literature published in 2008 2.
Additional Considerations
- A 2021 review of headache diagnosis and management published in JAMA highlights the importance of evaluating patients with headache to determine whether their headache is most likely a primary or a secondary headache disorder 3.
- The use of NSAIDs and acetaminophen for acute treatment of tension-type headache is supported by a systematic review published in 2010, which found that these medications are effective for short-term pain relief 4.
- A study published in 2002 in the American Family Physician notes that treatment of tension-type headache typically involves the use of over-the-counter analgesics, and that sedating antihistamines or antiemetics can potentiate the pain-relieving effects of standard analgesics 5.