4 Common Pain Relievers — and When to Use Them

What’s the best over-the-counter pain medication? It depends on what hurts — and why. 

“If you can target the pain with a medication that treats the underlying cause, the pain relief will be better,” says Sunny Linnebur, a professor at the University of Colorado Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences in Aurora. 

Although your specific health conditions can alter the equation, here’s a general look at what’s best for what ails you.

1. Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, Midol), Naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn, Naprelan)

What it is/What they are: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) that reduce fever and block prostaglandins, compounds that cause pain and inflammation

Best for: Headaches, musculoskeletal pain, arthritis, toothaches, backaches, sunburn. These are safer choices than aspirin for those with bleeding risks.

Don’t use for: Nerve pain

Avoid if: You take blood thinners or have uncontrolled high blood pressure, heart failure, or a history of ulcers or liver or kidney disease.

2. Acetaminophen (Tylenol, FeverAll, Panadol)

What it is/What they are: An analgesic and antifever medication that works in the brain to reduce mild to moderate pain by changing the way the body senses pain

Best for: Headaches, muscle aches, sore throat, toothaches, backaches, and sprains and strains. Best painkiller for people with GI issues

Don’t use for: Nerve pain or inflammatory conditions like arthritis

Avoid if: You are a heavy drinker. Take no more than 4,000 mg daily to avoid liver issues.

To learn about other common pain relievers and when to use them, from AARP, CLICK HERE.