Learn the Differences Between Pain Relievers
Not all over-the–counter (OTC) pain medications are appropriate for everyone. There are 2 main types—and understanding the differences between them could matter to your health.
There may seem to be dozens of choices on store shelves, but there really are only 2 main types of over-the-counter (OTC) oral pain relievers: acetaminophen and NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). Examples of oral NSAIDs include: ibuprofen, naproxen (sodium) and acetylsalicylic acid. They may all relieve the same symptoms, but they work differently in your body and have different active ingredients, warnings, and dosing directions. One type may be more appropriate for you, based on your age, health conditions, and other medicines you currently take. It’s important to understand pain reliever differences so that you can help select an appropriate choice for you. When in doubt, check with a healthcare professional.
| 2 main types | Acetaminophen | NSAIDs nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Medicinal ingredient |
Acetaminophen for example: TYLENOL® |
Ibuprofen for example: MOTRIN®, Advil® |
Naproxen Sodium for example: Aleve®, MOTRIMAXTM 12 HOUR |
Acetylsalicylic Acid for example: Aspirin® |
Diclofenac* for example: Voltaren Emulgel® *applied topically |
| What to know | Acetaminophen and NSAIDs may treat the same symptoms, but they work differently in your body, and they have different warnings and dosing directions. One type may be more appropriate for you than the other. | ||||
| 2 main types | |
|---|---|
| Acetaminophen | |
| Medicinal ingredient |
Acetaminophen for example: TYLENOL® |
| What to know | Acetaminophen and NSAIDs may treat the same symptoms, but they work differently in your body, and they have different warnings and dosing directions. One type may be more appropriate for you than the other. |
| NSAIDs nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs | |
| Medicinal ingredient |
Ibuprofen for example: MOTRIN®, Advil® |
|
Naproxen Sodium for example: Aleve®, MOTRIMAXTM 12 HOUR |
|
|
Acetylsalicylic Acid for example: Aspirin® |
|
|
Diclofenac* for example: Voltaren Emulgel® *applied topically |
|
| What to know | Acetaminophen and NSAIDs may treat the same symptoms, but they work differently in your body, and they have different warnings and dosing directions. One type may be more appropriate for you than the other. |
OTC pain reliever differences could matter to your health
How you choose OTC pain medications and how you use them are important.
Which OTC pain reliever may be appropriate for you?
It may depend on your age, health conditions and other medications you may be currently taking.
Medicine labels matter to your health
What the warnings, directions, and other label facts tell you.