Understanding Healthcare

Test Your Knowledge of OTC Pain Relievers

Over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers can quickly relieve a headache, backache, cramps, and other aches and pains. But even though these medicines are readily available and inexpensive, you should take care whenever you use them or give them to a child. Take this quiz to see how much you know about OTC pain relievers.

1. OTC pain relievers are safe when taken as directed.


2. If the recommended dose of OTC pain reliever doesn't relieve your pain, it's safe to take more.


3. It's safe to take OTC pain relievers if you've been drinking alcohol.


4. Pain relievers should be taken every 4 hours.


5. Pain relievers should be taken with food and a full glass of water.


6. It's safe to give aspirin to children.


7. You shouldn't take ibuprofen if you've ever had an allergic reaction to aspirin.


Featured in

Author: Floria, Barbara

Online Medical Reviewer: Moe, Jimmy, MD

Online Medical Reviewer: Sather, Rita, RN

Online Medical Reviewer: Wojcik, Stacey, MBA, BSN

Date Last Reviewed: 05/01/2023

© 2000-2026 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.

Find a Provider

View Our Directory

Find a Location

View Our Practices
Related Articles
Read article
Wellness
Vicodin

Learn how Vicodin helps manage your pain, how to take and store it safely, and what to do if you experience side effects.

Read article
Wellness
Pain Management Through Pregnancy

Aches and pains are a normal part of pregnancy, the result of your body changing to make room for your growing baby. While managing pain without medication is ideal, medicine may be necessary for some pregnant women who have chronic pain or experience severe pain. In this program you'll learn about non-medication techniques to help alleviate pain and how to use pain medications safely.

Read article
Wellness
Ultram

Learn how Ultram works in the brain to change how your body feels and responds to pain, possible side effects to be aware of, and how to properly use and store this medication.

Read article
Wellness
Take the Antibiotics Quiz

Antibiotics have been called "wonder drugs," because of their ability to treat bacterial infections that were once deadly. Antibiotics have saved countless lives since they were first introduced 60 years ago. But over use of these drugs has allowed some bacteria to become resistant to them.