ACETAMINOPHEN: Brand names: Tylenol, Datril.
Advantages: Relieves pain and fever. Does not irritate stomach.Disadvantages: Heavy or prolonged use may damage liver and kidneys.
ASPIRIN: Brand names: Bufferin, Anacin.
Advantages: Relieves pain, fever, inflammation. Prevents heart attacks.
Disadvantages: Inteferes with blood clotting. May trigger stomach bleeding. May cause Reye's syndrome in children with viral infections.
IBUPROFEN: Brand names: Advil, Nuprin.
Advantages: Relieves pain, fever, inflammation.
Disadvantages: Interferes with clotting. May cause stomach bleeding, ulcers and irritation. Heavy or prolonged use may damage liver and kidneys.
NAPROXEN: Brand names: Aleve.
Advantages: Relieves pain and fever. One dose lasts 8-12 hours.
Disadvantages: May cause stomach bleeding, ulcers and irritation. Prolonged use may harm kidneys.