All four reduce fever and relieve minor pain from headache, muscle or joint aches, colds or flu, and menstrual cramps. Ibuprofen and naproxen are especially effective for menstrual cramps. As with many medications, generic analgesics usually cost significantly less than their brand-name counterparts but are just as effective. Other ingredients added to the active pain reliever generally do not boost their effect on pain, only their cost. However, drinking a cup of coffee or a Coke with the plain aspirin or acetaminophen is probably just as effective and cheaper.
All medications have side effects and can cause serious health problems if used incorrectly.
Always read all the information and follow the dosing directions on the box or bottle. Never exceed the recommended maximum dose without first checking with your doctor. Check first with your health care practitioner or pharmacist about a pain reliever if you are on other prescription or non-prescription medications. The combination can increase your risk of serious side effects. Avoid aspirin for flu or chickenpox.