Your Guide to Pain Relief

Got sore muscles or a raging headache? Before you reach for that bottle in your medicine cabinet for pain relief, know what you're taking -- and what side effects it might cause. Always read the label and follow directions before taking any medication.



Pain relievers come in two main varieties. Acetaminophen (Panadol, Tylenol) and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs -- better known as NSAIDs -- both help to relieve pain and reduce fever. NSAIDs include ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), aspirin, and naproxen sodium (Aleve). Pain relievers come in many forms, including: tablets, caplets, gelcaps, and liquids.

>READ THE FULL ARTICLE for the OTC guide at webmd.com

>VIEW VIDEOS ON PAIN RELIEF PRESCRIPTIONS at webmd.com