Check the Medicinal Ingredients in Your OTC Medication

There are 2 main types of over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers: acetaminophen and NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, including oral ibuprofen and naproxen sodium or topical diclofenac). It’s important to understand pain reliever differences so that you can make the appropriate choice for you. One type may be more appropriate for you, based on your age, health conditions, and other medicines you currently take.

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.

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