What are common brand names for anti-inflammatory medications used for pain relief?

Common nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, include aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen, according to WebMD. Common over-the-counter aspirin brands include Bayer, Bufferin and Excerin, while common OTC ibuprofen brands include Motrin IB and Advil. Aleve is the most common OTC brand of naproxen.

NSAIDs are pain-relieving drugs that also reduce symptoms of the body's response to inflammation, including swelling, redness, warmth and pain, notes WebMD. They work on a chemical level to block enzymes that produce pain responses. NSAIDs can be used to alleviate minor aches and pains and lower fevers, and to treat longer-term pain arising from chronic injury or illness. Generic NSAIDs are usually cheaper than their brand-name counterparts and are no less effective.

Harvard Medical School's Family Health Guide notes that NSAIDs are different from acetaminophen, which is sold under the brand name Tylenol. Acetaminophen-based drugs such as Tylenol relieve pain but do not have anti-inflammatory effects. Among NSAIDs, naproxen, in the form of Aleve, has typically proven the safest NSAID for the heart.

WebMD lists a number of NSAIDs available by prescription only, which provide stronger doses of pain-relieving ingredients than OTC NSAIDs. Prescription-only NSAID brands include Celebrex, Arthrotex, Daypro, Feldene and Clinoril. Like OTC NSAIDs, many prescription NSAIDs are available in their cheaper, equally-effective generic forms.