Your Over-the-Counter PAIN DRUG GUIDE

IF NON-PHARMACEUTICAL TREATMENTS like ice and heat aren't helping enough, there are over-the-counter meds that can bring relief, but they're not interchangeable.

Here's what to take for various types of pain (and what to know before you do).

PAIN MEDS 101

Despite coming in what seems like a dizzying array of blister packs, capsules, caplets, and liquids, OTC pain drugs fall into two general groups:

acetaminophen and NSAIDs (pronounced "EN-saids"), which stands for "nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs." Acetaminophen targets pain, not inflammation, whereas NSAIDs are designed to target inflammation. The most common NSAID is ibuprofen, but the category also includes naproxen, which is longer-acting than ibuprofen, and aspirin, which isn't as good for pain as are other NSAIDs. Here, discover how these can help as well as some of their downsides.

Acetaminophen

Common brand name:

TYLENOL