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Over-the-counter, or OTC pain medications, can be bought without a prescription and are intended to reduce fever and temporarily relieve minor aches and pains. The two main types of OTC pain medications are Acetaminophen and Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs, or NSAIDs. They work in different ways and have different risks and benefits for each person to consider. Acetaminophen is the most common active drug ingredient in the U.S. and is found in more than 500 OTC and prescription medications, including pain relievers, fever reducers, sleep aids, and many cough, cold, and allergy medications. NSAIDs are also very common and found in more than 900 OTC and prescription medications. The most well known OTC NSAIDs are Aspirin, Ibuprofen, and Naproxen Sodium. There are even some OTC pain medications that combine both Acetaminophen and NSAIDs. Having so many options to choose from can make picking the right medication for you or your loved one seem overwhelming. You want to choose the one that will do the best job treating your pain, but you also need to understand the medication's risks. OTC pain medications are effective and generally safe when used as directed. However, just because you can buy them without a prescription doesn't mean they're harmless, and they should never be taken casually because they can cause serious injury and even death if not taken properly. Be sure to discuss all your OTC medications with your healthcare professional. The Drug Facts Label is found on most OTC medications, and covers the important information you need to take them safely. Each time you take or give the pain medication be sure to read the entire label. The Active Ingredients Purpose section, tells you the main ingredients that make the medication work, and what they are designed to do. Always read the Warnings section of the label. It tells you when not to use the medication, when a healthcare professional needs to be consulted first, possible interactions or side effects, and when to stop taking the medication. Acetaminophen is safe when taken as directed. However, taking more than directed is an overdose. Severe liver damage may occur if you take more than the maximum daily dose of 4,000 milligrams in 24 hours, take it with other acetaminophen containing drugs at the same time, or drink three or more alcoholic drinks a day while taking the medication. If you take a blood thinning drug like Warfarin, or have liver disease, you should talk with your pharmacist or other healthcare professional, before taking Acetaminophen. People taking NSAIDs should read and follow the label closely, and consider their individual risk factors. NSAIDs can cause severe stomach bleeding, which may occur without any noticeable symptoms. You are at higher risk if you are age 60 or older, have had a history of stomach ulcers or bleeding problems, take a blood thinning drug or a steroid drug, take with other OTC or prescription medications containing NSAIDs, drink three or more...