Choosing an OTC Pain Reliever

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Many factors affect the decision of which pain reliever choice is best for a particular person. These factors include:

• The location, type, and severity of a person's pain
  
  
• The presence of medication ingredients to which a person might be allergic
  
  
• A history of medical conditions that could be exacerbated by a particular medication
  
  
• The current use of medications that are contraindicated with certain over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers
  
  
• The use of alcohol
  
  
• The duration for which the medication will need to be taken
  
  
• A person's age

Although acetaminophen and NSAIDs are available over-the-counter, both have side effects. You will need to consider the risks and benefits as they relate to your unique needs when choosing a pain reliever.