# The dos and don'ts of taking over-the-counter pain medications

An episode of [Life Kit](https://invisiblenetwork.ai/podcast/1461493560), 18 May 2026, 22 min.

Audio: https://tracking.swap.fm/track/XvDEoI11TR00olTUO8US/prfx.byspotify.com/e/play.podtrac.com/npr-510338/npr.simplecastaudio.com/8ae5a040-e346-4b89-ba6b-625f91f1fbd4/episodes/b4404f3c-4219-436d-a9fe-2e45a3e046ee/audio/128/default.mp3?awCollectionId=8ae5a040-e346-4b89-ba6b-625f91f1fbd4&awEpisodeId=b4404f3c-4219-436d-a9fe-2e45a3e046ee&feed=XkY2SBZJ&t=podcast&e=nx-s1-5822613&p=510338&d=1338&size=21422960

Ibuprofen, acetaminophen and aspirin — there are many over-the-counter pain medications available, but are they all the same? And how much should you really take? In this episode, pharmacists and a doctor cover your drug options, including side effects, dosage and what to reach for the next time you have a headache or fever. This episode was originally published on March 31, 2025. Follow us on Instagram: @nprlifekit Sign up for our newsletter here. Have an episode idea or feedback you want to share? Email us at lifekit@npr.org Support the show and listen to it sponsor-free by signing up for Life Kit+ at plus.npr.org/lifekit See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy

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