Differences Between Calonal, Loxonin, and Eve | Which One for Headaches, Menstrual Pain, and Fever? A Pharmacist Explains How to Choose

There are questions I am often asked at the pharmacy.

Which is stronger, Calonal or Loxonin?
Isn't Eve a medicine for menstrual pain?
If I have a headache, is it okay to just take Loxonin?

I understand the sentiment, but this "just take anything" approach can be dangerous.

Although all three are painkillers,
they differ in how they work, the symptoms they are suited for, and who should be careful when using them.
The important thing is not "which is stronger," but
"which is right for me right now."

First, let's look at the differences between the three in a list.

Calonal A | Gentle on the stomach and easy to use for fever

The main ingredient is acetaminophen.
It acts on the central nervous system to lower fever and relieve pain.

It is easy to use during the day because it is gentle on the stomach and does not contain ingredients that cause drowsiness.
Unlike Loxonin or Eve, it does not have a direct anti-inflammatory effect,
so while it is suitable for fever and mild headaches, it may not be enough for toothaches or lower back pain.

Recommended for

• Those with a fever

• Those with mild headaches

• Those with a weak stomach

• Those who do not react well to Loxonin or Eve-type medications

Points to note

Since the same ingredient is often found in cold medicines and general cold remedies,
you need to be careful about taking them together.
The package insert clearly states that concomitant use with other drugs containing acetaminophen
may cause serious liver damage due to overdose.
People with concerns about their liver or those who drink alcohol frequently should be especially careful.Qlifepro

Loxonin S | For stronger pain accompanied by inflammation

The main ingredient is loxoprofen.
It is a type of drug called an NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug),
which quickly suppresses the substances that cause pain and fever (prostaglandins),
exerting analgesic and antipyretic effects. It does not contain ingredients that cause drowsiness.Daiichi Sankyo

Recommended for

• Toothache or pain after tooth extraction

• Lower back pain and stiff shoulder pain

• Menstrual pain

• Stronger pain accompanied by inflammation

Points to note

Because gastrointestinal disorders are likely to occur, it is standard to take it after meals.
Also, the following people cannot take it (from the Loxonin S package insert).

• Those with gastric or duodenal ulcers

• Those with underlying kidney or heart disease

• Those who have had asthma caused by NSAIDs

• Pregnant women within 12 weeks of their expected delivery date

• Those under 15 years old

The more convenient a medicine is, the more dangerous it can be if used incorrectly.
Loxonin is a prime example of this.

Eve A Tablets | For menstrual pain and headaches, but be aware of drowsiness

The main ingredient is ibuprofen (also an NSAID).
Like loxoprofen, it suppresses the production of prostaglandins involved in pain and inflammation.

However, Eve A Tablets do not contain ibuprofen alone.
It is a formulation that combines ibuprofen with
allyl isopropyl acetylurea and anhydrous caffeine to enhance analgesic and antipyretic effects.
Specifically, two tablets contain
150mg of ibuprofen
60mg of allyl isopropyl acetylurea
and 80mg of anhydrous caffeine.KEGG

While the sedative ingredients make it easier for pain to subside, there is a
possibility of drowsiness.

Recommended for

• Menstrual pain and headaches

• Those who want to calm their pain and rest well at night

Points to note

Avoid taking it before driving, before work, or in situations where concentration is required.
Rather than choosing it because it 'seems like it might work,'
consider first whether you are in a situation where it would be a problem if you became drowsy.
It cannot be taken by those under 15 years old.

By Symptom: Which One Should You Choose?

There Is One Caution Regarding Headaches

A sudden, severe headache,
a headache you have never experienced before,
or a headache that feels different from usual—.

If such a headache occurs suddenly,
it may hide a serious condition such as a subarachnoid hemorrhage,
so you must immediately visit a neurosurgeon or neurologist
to receive an accurate diagnosis.
Please consider seeing a doctor before taking over-the-counter medication.

If it is the type of headache that repeats the same as always (migraine or tension-type headache),
it can often be managed with over-the-counter medication.
However, there is one point to note.
If you use over-the-counter painkillers for 10 or more days a month,
it may cause medication-overuse headaches.
If you feel that the frequency of taking them is increasing, please consult a medical institution once.Eki-clinic

Summary: Choose by Compatibility Rather Than Strength

• Calonal A: For fever and mild headaches. Gentle on the stomach and causes no drowsiness.

• Loxonin S: For stronger pain accompanied by inflammation. However, some people cannot use it.

• Eve A Tablets: For period pain and headaches. Suitable for nighttime. Be aware of drowsiness.

Before choosing, please ask yourself a few questions.

Is your stomach okay? Is it a situation where drowsiness would be a problem?
Are you taking any other medications? Do you have any underlying conditions? And so on.

That confirmation is what it means to use medication correctly.

Eliminating pain and protecting your health are similar, but slightly different.

Before you reach for a painkiller,
what is that pain trying to tell you—
please take a moment to listen closely.

Then, try to choose the medicine that is right for you.

Thank you for reading to the end.

References/Sources

The content of this article is based on the following primary sources and information from public institutions.

Package inserts and product information for each product

• Calonal A Package Insert (KEGG Drug Database) 　https://www.kegg.jp/medicus-bin/japic_otc?japic_code=J2301000211

• Loxonin S Product Information (Daiichi Sankyo Healthcare Official) 　https://www.daiichisankyo-hc.co.jp/products/details/loxonin-s/

• Eve A Tablets Product Information (SS Pharmaceutical Official) 　https://www.ssp.co.jp/product/detail/evea/

• Eve A Tablets Package Insert (KEGG Drug Database) 　https://www.kegg.jp/medicus-bin/japic_otc?japic_code=J0601001092

Public Information Regarding Headaches

• Japanese Headache Society 'What is a Headache?' 　https://www.jhsnet.net/ippan_zutu_kaisetu_01.html

• Japanese Headache Society 'Secondary Headaches (Dangerous Headaches)' 　https://www.jhsnet.net/ippan_zutu_nijisei.html

• Clinical Practice Guideline for Headaches 2021 (Jointly supervised by the Japanese Society of Neurology, Japanese Headache Society, and Japanese Society for Neurotherapeutics) 　https://www.jhsnet.net/pdf/guideline_2021.pdf