Pain medicines are also called analgesics. Every type of pain
medicine has benefits and risks. Specific types of pain may
respond better to one kind of medication than to another kind.
What takes away your pain might not work for someone else. OVER-
THE-COUNTER PAIN MEDICINES Over-the-counter (OTC) medications
are good for many types of pain. OTC medicines include: -
Acetaminophen (Tylenol) - Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
(NSAIDs) Acetaminophen is a non-aspirin pain reliever. It can be
used to lower a fever and soothe headaches and other common
aches and pains. However, acetaminophen does not reduce swelling
(inflammation). This medicine is easier on the stomach than
other pain medications, and it is safer for children. It can,
however, be harmful to the liver if you take more than the
recommended dose. See: Acetaminophen overdose NSAIDs include
aspirin, naproxen, ibuprofen, and several others that require a
prescription. These medicines relieve pain, but they also reduce
inflammation caused by injury,