There are several types of medications available for pain relief and to reduce fevers. If you need help deciding which over the counter pain reliever or fever reducer is right for you and your symptoms, you have come to the right place. Find out what your options are and the pros and cons to each pain reliever and fever reducer.
1. Tylenol (acetaminophen)
Tylenol is considered the safest pain reliever and fever reducer available. It is available for use in children as young as 2 months old. However, it can cause liver damage if too much is taken or you have certain diseases. Find out if Tylenol is right for you and your symptoms.
2. Advil or Motrin (ibuprofen)
Advil and Motrin are both brand names for ibuprofen. Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). In English, that means that it helps reduce swelling (and pain) but it is not a steroid. Ibuprofen is great for sore muscles, sore throats and can also be very effective at bringing down fevers. Find out if ibuprofen is right for you.
3. Aleve (naproxen)
Aleve is the brand name for naproxen. Naproxen is another NSAID, similar to ibuprofen. Naproxen works differently than ibuprofen, but it has the same effect. Both are effective pain relievers and fever reducers. Find out if Aleve is right for you.
4. Aspirin
Aspirin can be an effective pain reliever and fever reducer. It is sold under many brand names, including Bayer and Ecotrin. Aspirin not only relieves pain, fevers and swelling, it also reduces the blood's ability to clot. Many people take low doses of aspirin to prevent heart attacks and stroke.
Aspirin should never be given to a child or teenager because it may cause a potentially fatal disease known as Reye's syndrome.
