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Pain Relievers
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Drug Therapy

Pain Relievers

Pain relievers are medications used to manage various types of discomfort, ranging from mild aches to severe pain following injury or surgery.

What are pain relievers?

Pain relievers are medicines that reduce or relieve headaches, sore muscles, arthritis, or other aches and pains. There are many different pain medicines, and each has advantages and risks. Some types of pain respond better to certain medicines than others, and each person may have a slightly different response to a pain reliever.

Types of Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers

Two types of OTC pain medicines are usually recommended for mild to moderate pain:

  • Acetaminophen (Tylenol): Used in many OTC and prescription medicines, it is often considered safer than other pain relievers. However, it is common to take too much accidentally. Do not exceed daily limits or use more than one medicine containing acetaminophen. Consult your provider before taking it for more than ten days (or five days for a child).
  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): These include aspirin, naproxen (Aleve), and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin). They are often most effective for pain involving inflammation (swelling), such as arthritis or menstrual cramps. Exceeding the recommended amount may cause nausea, stomach pain, or ulcers.

Prescription Pain Relievers

If OTC options are insufficient, a provider may prescribe stronger doses or different medications. The most powerful pain relievers are opioids, sometimes called narcotics (e.g., oxycodone, hydrocodone, or morphine). These are used for moderate to severe pain, such as after a major injury or surgery. Because opioids carry risks of serious side effects and addiction, they must be used only under a provider's supervision.

Non-Drug Treatments for Pain

Pain relievers are just one part of a treatment plan. Because environmental factors, stress, and beliefs about pain can influence your response, consider these non-drug treatments (check with your provider first):

  • Acupuncture
  • Hot or cold packs
  • Massage therapy
  • Physical therapy
  • Relaxation techniques

Frequently Asked Questions

NSAIDs can irritate the stomach lining and increase the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding and ulcers, so they should be used with caution or avoided if you have a history of these conditions. If you must take an NSAID, your provider may recommend taking it with food or prescribing a proton pump inhibitor to protect your stomach. In many cases, acetaminophen is a safer alternative for pain relief in patients with a history of gastrointestinal issues, but you should always consult your doctor before starting any new pain medication.
cetaminophen (Tylenol) works primarily in the brain and spinal cord to reduce pain and fever but has little to no anti-inflammatory effect. NSAIDs (such as ibuprofen, naproxen, and aspirin) reduce pain and fever while also reducing inflammation and swelling. Therefore, NSAIDs are often more effective for conditions involving inflammation, such as arthritis, sprains, or menstrual cramps, whereas acetaminophen may be preferred for headaches or general aches where inflammation is not the primary issue.
Yes, it is often safe to alternate or combine acetaminophen and ibuprofen for moderate to severe pain, as they work through different mechanisms and do not have the same organ-specific toxicity risks when used within recommended limits. However, you must strictly adhere to the maximum daily dose for each medication separately. Do not take more than the recommended amount of either drug, and consult your provider if you need to use both for more than a few days, as long-term use can increase the risk of side effects.
cetaminophen overdose is dangerous because it can cause severe, irreversible liver damage. Early symptoms may be mild or absent, including nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and general malaise. More serious signs, such as pain in the upper right abdomen, yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), and dark urine, may appear days later. Because the liver damage can be silent in the early stages, it is critical to seek emergency medical help immediately if you suspect you or someone else has taken too much acetaminophen.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

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