Over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers are among the most widely used drugs. Most people self-medicate their usual aches and pains with medications such as acetaminophen and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents (aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, and ketoprofen). Acetaminophen, the active ingredient in Tylenol®, has few side effects. However, long-term regular use of high dose acetaminophen can cause serious liver damage. Patients should be sure their doctors are aware of all medications they are taking (including over-the-counter drugs, such as aspirin), even if they take these for conditions unrelated to their pain. Many medications should not be taken together because they increase or decrease each other's effects or produce new adverse reactions. Over-the-counter (OTC) Pain Relievers Websites See the ACPA Medication List

Department of Pain Medicine and Palliative Care Beth Israel Medical Center, New York City ©2005 Continuum Health Partners, Inc. www.stoppain.org/pain_medicine