There are two basic types of over-the-counter pain relievers: -
NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). These include
aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil and Motrin), naproxen sodium (Aleve),
and ketoprofen (Orudis KT). - Acetaminophen (Tylenol and
Panadol). Some products combine these pain relievers with other
ingredients like caffeine or decongestants, and market the
product for combinations of symptoms. You'll sometimes see these
products advertised for cold and flu relief. These added
ingredients may address symptoms including nasal congestion or
cough. In general, ibuprofen, naproxen and ketoprophen reduce
pain more than the same dose of acetaminophen or aspirin,
although acetaminophen and aspirin have other advantages.
Acetaminophen is often recommended for treating the pain of
arthritis because it doesn't cause stomach irritation. It is
also the safest pain reliever for children. And aspirin is the
only pain reliever shown to reduce the risk of heart attack.
NSAIDs prevent the body from manufacturing pros