Find the best pain reliever for your symptoms

While many analgesics can be purchased without a prescription, not all are effective for every symptom. Side effects also vary and can put individuals with certain health conditions at risk.

Use the interactive quiz to find the appropriate medication for you and your symptoms.

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by taking the anonymous quiz.

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Differences between over-the-counter painkillers

Non-prescription analgesics fall into four main categories: Ibuprofen, Aspirin, Paracetamol, and Naproxen. Each of these medications has distinct characteristics. For example, Ibuprofen and Naproxen belong to the class of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and are effective at reducing inflammation, while Paracetamol tends to have a lower risk of side effects and is ideal for children and during pregnancy. Keep in mind that many manufacturers use brand names, so always check the ingredients listed on the packaging. For a personalized recommendation, have a look at our interactive quiz.

Effectiveness and indications

	Paracetamol	Ibuprofen	Naproxen	Aspirin
Fever	High	High	Moderate	Moderate
Headache	High	Moderate	Moderate	High
Menstrual cramps	Low	High	High	Low
Inflammation	Low	High	High	Moderate
Back pain	Moderate	High	High	Moderate
Chronic pain	Moderate	Moderate	High	Low

Contraindications and side effects

	Paracetamol	Ibuprofen	Naproxen	Aspirin
Children < 15 years	Safe	Safe	Caution	High risk
Pregnancy (3rd trimester)	Safe	High risk	High risk	High risk
Gastric irritation/ulcers	Safe	Caution	Caution	High risk
Kidney disease	Caution	High risk	High risk	High risk
Cardiovascular events	Safe	High risk	High risk	Caution
Liver disease	Caution	Caution	Caution	Caution
Bleeding risk	Safe	Caution	Caution	High risk
Consequences of overdose	High risk	Caution	Caution	High risk

When should I see a doctor?

While many types of pain can be managed with over-the-counter medications, certain situations require medical attention to identify or address underlying causes. You should see a doctor if you experience any of the following:

Persistent pain	May signal an underlying condition that requires further evaluation or treatment
Severe pain	Can indicate a serious issue, such as nerve damage, infection, or organ dysfunction
Chest pain	Can be life-threatening and may indicate a heart attack
Abdominal pain	Could suggest appendicitis, gallstones, or other gastrointestinal problems
Pain after injury	Might indicate fractures, ligament tears, or internal damage that requires immediate care