All pain relievers are not equal. Your local drugstore probably
has an entire aisle devoted to nonprescription pain relievers,
such as aspirin, acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil,
Motrin), and so on. Many medicines can help relieve pain, but
different types of pain relievers can have different side
effects and potential risks. Aspirin is actually the first of a
type of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
(NSAIDs). As the name suggests, NSAIDs reduce inflammation in
addition to relieving pain. Aspirin is effective at relieving
the pain of headaches, toothaches, muscular aches and pains, and
minor aches and pains of arthritis. The vast majority of people
can take aspirin without experiencing any side effects. However,
aspirin may upset your stomach. To minimize stomach upset, some
aspirin products are buffered with an antacids or coated so the
pills do not dissolve until they reach the small intestine. When
taken long-term in high doses, aspirin may cause more serious
stomach problems, such