Final answer:
OTC drugs, like aspirin and acetaminophen, are medications that can be purchased without a prescription and used to relieve pain from various conditions. They include NSAIDs such as naproxen and ibuprofen as well as acetaminophen. It's crucial to adhere to recommended dosages to ensure safe usage.
Step-by-step explanation:
Medications and preparations that do not require a prescription, such as herbal therapies and acetaminophen, are referred to as over-the-counter (OTC) drugs. Common OTC drugs include aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen, which are also categorized as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). These medications are readily available and approved by the FDA, with many being previously prescription drugs considered safe for unsupervised use based on a proven safety record. OTC medicines are useful for relieving various types of pain associated with headaches, fever, colds, flu, arthritis, toothaches, and menstrual cramps.
OTC pain relievers primarily come in two forms: acetaminophen (known as Tylenol in the U.S.) and NSAIDs, which include aspirin, naproxen (Aleve), and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin). While effective for pain relief and fever reduction, it's important to follow dosage instructions carefully to prevent accidental overdoses.