There may seem to be dozens of choices on store shelves, but there really are only 2 main types of oral OTC pain relievers: acetaminophen and NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) . They may treat similar symptoms, but they work differently in your body and may have different active ingredients, warnings, and dosing directions. One type may be more appropriate for you than the other, based on your age, health conditions, and other medicines you take. It’s important to understand pain reliever differences so that you can make the right choice for you.
