Diagnostic Flowchart for Selecting the Optimal Medication for Pain and Fever Symptoms
Start
Q1 Can you take oral medication?
If 【NO】
Vomiting / Infant / Difficulty swallowing
Result 【Suppository】recommended
Fast-acting medication when unable to take orally - effective in 15 minutes
If 【YES】
Able to take oral medication
Q2 Is the patient under 15 years old?
If 【YES】
Child under 15 years old
Result 【Acetaminophen】or 【Suppository】recommended
Safest option for children
If 【NO】
15 years or older
Q3 Does any of the following apply?
If 【YES】
Any of the above applies
Result 【Acetaminophen】recommended
Safest with fewest side effects
If 【NO】
None of the above apply
Q4 How severe is the pain?
If 【Mild to Moderate】
Tolerable level of pain
Result 【Acetaminophen】recommended
Mild effect is sufficient
If 【Severe Pain】
Quite intense pain
Q5 Is there inflammation or swelling?
(Joint pain / Muscle pain / Sprain / Menstrual cramps)
If 【YES】
Inflammation or swelling present
Result 【Ibuprofen】recommended
Strong anti-inflammatory effect
If 【NO / Unsure】
No inflammation or swelling, or unsure
Q6 Does any of the following apply?
If 【YES】
Any of the above applies
Result 【Acetaminophen】recommended
Gentle on stomach and safe
If 【NO】
None of the above apply
Q7 Have other pain medications been insufficient?
If 【YES】
Over-the-counter pain medications didn't work
Caution 【Pyrazolone derivatives】recommended
※Consult a pharmacist if using for the first time
※Risk of allergic reactions
If 【NO】
First time using, or haven't tried other medications
Result 【Ibuprofen】recommended
Powerful and fast-acting
Special Cases: If applicable 【Aspirin】recommended
※Must consult a physician
If considering non-medication care: If applicable View 【Other】category
Tongue cleaner / Hot/cold pads / Check lock, etc.
Important Precautions

Analgesic Antipyretic Anti-inflammatory Drugs Category Comparison Table

Category Recommended For Main Features Precautions
Acetaminophen
Gentle on stomach and safe
  • ✓ Minimal stomach burden
  • ✓ Few side effects
  • ✓ OK on empty stomach
  • ✓ Most widely used worldwide
  • ✓ For fever, headache, menstrual cramps
  • ⚠️ Effect is mild
  • ⚠️ Do not combine with alcohol
  • ⚠️ Caution for those with liver disease
Ibuprofen
Powerful and fast-acting
  • ✓ Pain relief, fever reduction, anti-inflammatory
  • ✓ Stronger than acetaminophen
  • ✓ Fast-acting (15-30 minutes)
  • ✓ Long-lasting effect (4-6 hours)
  • ✓ Particularly effective for inflammation
  • ⚠️ Avoid on empty stomach
  • ⚠️ Consult physician for long-term use
  • ⚠️ Caution for those with asthma
  • ⚠️ Check product for use under 15 years
Aspirin
Historic all-purpose medication
  • ✓ Fever reduction and pain relief
  • ✓ Anti-inflammatory action
  • ✓ Blood clotting inhibition
  • ✓ Heart attack and stroke prevention
  • ✓ Over 100 years of proven use
  • ⚠️ High stomach burden
  • ⚠️ Increases bleeding tendency
  • ⚠️ Generally prohibited under 15 years
  • ⚠️ Avoid in late pregnancy
  • ⚠️ Must stop before surgery
Pyrazolone derivatives
Strongest pain relief effect
  • ✓ Strongest pain relief effect
  • ✓ Very fast-acting
  • ✓ Multi-angled action with compound ingredients
  • ✓ Long-term use in Japan
  • ⚠️⚠️ High allergic reaction risk
  • ⚠️ Use with caution if first time
  • ⚠️ Stop immediately if side effects occur
  • ⚠️ Must consult pharmacist
  • ⚠️ Not common overseas
Suppository
Fast-acting when unable to take orally
  • ✓ Faster than oral medication (15 minutes)
  • ✓ Zero gastrointestinal burden
  • ✓ Can use when nauseous
  • ✓ Rich pediatric formulations
  • ✓ Can administer reliably
  • ⚠️ Must understand usage method
  • ⚠️ Avoid with rectal abnormalities
  • ⚠️ Less effective during diarrhea
  • ⚠️ Difficult to use away from home
  • ⚠️ Requires cold storage
Other
Complementary care items
  • ✓ Non-medication care
  • ✓ Preventive and complementary use
  • ✓ Little worry about side effects
  • ✓ Can use daily
  • ✓ Diverse products
Examples: Check lock/Tongue cleaner/Hot-cold pads/Compress/Supporter, etc.
  • ⚠️ Limited immediate effectiveness
  • ⚠️ Combine with medication for severe cases
  • ⚠️ Usage varies by product
⚠️ Important Precautions