Question: what is the best over-the-counter medication for pain?
Answer: Best First-Line Defense: Tylenol Regular Strength Caplets. ... 
Best Extra-Strength First-Line Defense: Tylenol Extra-Strength Tablets. ... 
Best Second-Line Defense: Advil Coated Pain Reliever and Fever Reducer Tablets. ... 
Best Second-Line Defense Runner-Up: Aleve Pain Reliever & Fever Reducer Caplets.