 [ Symptoms ] what are pain relieversfever reducers [ Disease ] there are two categories of over the counter pain relieversfever reducers acetaminophen and nonsteroidal anti inflammatory drugs nsaids acetaminophen is used to relieve headaches muscle aches and fever it is also found in many other medicines such as cough syrup and cold and sinus medicines otc nsaids are used to help relieve pain and reduce fever nsaids include aspirin naproxen ketoprofen and ibuprofen and are also found in many medicines taken for colds sinus pressure and allergies