Over-the-counter (OTC) medications are drugs that you can buy without a doctor’s prescription. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are drugs that help reduce inflammation, which often helps to relieve pain. In other words, they’re anti-inflammatory drugs.
Here are the more common OTC NSAIDs:
high-dose aspirin ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, Midol) naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn)
NSAIDs can be very effective. They tend to work quickly and generally have fewer side effects than corticosteroids, which also lower inflammation.
Nevertheless, before you use an NSAID, you should know about the possible side effects and drug interactions. Read on for this information as well as tips on how to use NSAIDs safely and effectively.