This History Behind Diet Pills Store Is One That Will Haunt You Forever! Understanding Over-The-Counter Painkillers: A Comprehensive Guide Pain is a universal experience, whether it's a minor headache, muscle pain after a workout, or pain from a persistent condition. Over-the-counter (OTC) painkillers use relief to countless people every day. In this article, we will explore the types, uses, benefits, and possible threats of OTC painkillers. We'll also supply an extensive FAQ area to resolve common questions relating to these medications. Types of Over-the-Counter Painkillers OTC painkillers mostly fall under 2 categories: analgesics and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). 1. Analgesics These medications are designed particularly to ease pain. The most typical analgesic is acetaminophen (Tylenol). 2. Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) NSAIDs minimize pain and inflammation.