Pain Relief Medications to Know
Pain relievers span familiar over-the-counter analgesics and prescription options, so this group mixes drugs you already recognize with ones worth deliberate study. The NSAIDs in particular form a tidy sub-group.
Study tip
Separate the everyday analgesics (acetaminophen, ibuprofen) from the NSAID class as a whole (-profen endings like ibuprofen and naproxen), and keep stronger agents in their own block so the mechanisms don't blur.
Pain drug list (15)
By generic name, ordered by how commonly each is dispensed.
| # | Generic name | Commonly used for |
|---|---|---|
| 13 | Acetaminophen | Pain |
| 14 | Ibuprofen | Pain |
| 64 | Naproxen | Pain |
| 65 | Aspirin | Pain |
| 66 | Diclofenac | Pain |
| 67 | Celecoxib | Pain |
| 154 | Hydrocodone-Acetaminophen | Moderate to Severe Pain |
| 155 | Oxycodone-Acetaminophen | Moderate to Severe Pain |
| 160 | Oxycodone | Moderate to Severe Pain |
| 282 | Ketorolac | Moderate to Severe Pain |
| 283 | Indomethacin | Pain |
| 285 | Nabumetone | Pain |
| 286 | Etodolac | Pain |
| 287 | Flurbiprofen | Pain |
| 288 | Sulindac | Pain |
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Frequently asked questions
- Is acetaminophen an NSAID?
- No. Acetaminophen is an analgesic but is not an NSAID, whereas ibuprofen and naproxen are NSAIDs. Keeping that distinction clear is a common exam point.
- What pain drugs appear most on drug lists?
- Acetaminophen and ibuprofen rank very high because of their everyday use, so they are good anchors for this group.
More drug categories
Educational study aid — not medical advice. Learn My Drugs is a memorization tool for pharmacy students, technicians, and exam prep. Drug names and uses on this page are simplified for studying and are not a substitute for professional judgment. For clinical, dosing, or safety information, consult the official label and a licensed professional.
Authoritative references: DailyMed, MedlinePlus, and the U.S. FDA.
Last reviewed: May 30, 2026.