Q: Could you please explain the differences between popular over-the-counter pain relievers?  How is Advil different from Aleve, and how are these NSAIDs different from aspirin?  What makes Excedrin different?  I haven’t needed pain relievers before, but now I do.

A: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) include both prescription medicines and the OTC drugs ibuprofen and naproxen.  Aspirin also is considered an NSAID, though it has heart benefits rather than risks.

Advil is the brand name for ibuprofen, and Aleve is the brand name for naproxen.  They are similar in terms of their pain-relieving activity and their side-effect profile.  Excedrin contains both aspirin and acetaminophen (the ingredient in Tylenol), along with caffeine.

• article by Joe and Teresa Graedon
• copyright The Seattle Times