The Best Pain Medications

Over-the-counter pain medications are helpful for mild to moderate pain. They’re safe, easy to administer, and can be used to relieve minor ailments, including headaches, muscle aches, and fever. Pain medications may be taken orally or applied topically to the skin. They are also available in a range of different strengths and formulas.

We researched dozens of pain medications to identify the best of the best, based on factors including formula, strength, ease of use, and Amazon reviews. We then narrowed down our search to 5 of the top-rated pain medications that are available to purchase without a prescription. All of these top-rated over-the-counter pain medications can be purchased online at Amazon.

Best Pain Medication Overall
Amazon Basic Care Ibuprofen Tablets 200 mg
These coated ibuprofen tablets effectively reduce pain and fever.

We’ve identified Amazon Basic Care Ibuprofen Tablets 200 mg as the best pain medication for most people. The coated tablets temporarily reduce fever and relieve minor aches and pains. They’re simple, easy to administer, and suitable for adults and children aged 12 years and older.

The 5 Top-Rated Pain Medications

Editor's PicksBrandRating
Best Pain Medication OverallAmazon Basic Care Ibuprofen Tablets 200 mg4.8
Best Pain Medication CreamAspercreme with Lidocaine Maximum Strength Pain Relief Cream4.4
Best Budget Pain MedicationAmazon Basic Care Extra Strength Acetaminophen Caplets 500 mg4.8
Best Roll-On Pain Medication Biofreeze Pain Relief Roll-On4.7
Best Pain Medication OilR+R Medicinals Hemp Oil 1000mg4.2

*Ratings are from Amazon at the time of publication and can change

Best Pain Medication Overall: Amazon Basic Care Ibuprofen Tablets 200 mg

Best Pain Medication Overall
Amazon Basic Care Ibuprofen Tablets 200 mg
These coated ibuprofen tablets effectively reduce pain and fever.

Amazon Basic Care Ibuprofen Tablets 200 mg are used as an effective pain reliever and fever reducer. The active ingredient in each tablet is ibuprofen, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It works to reduce fever and provide temporary relief from minor aches and pains caused by ailments such as headaches, muscle aches, and menstrual cramps.

The convenient, easy-to-administer coated tablets are suitable for adults and children aged 12 years and older. This product contains 500 tablets packaged in a resealable plastic bottle. Reviewers say the pain medication is effective, easy to swallow, and great value for money.

Amazon Basic Care Ibuprofen Tablets 200 mg Key Features: 

  • Pain reliever and fever reducer
  • Easy to swallow coated tablets
  • Contains ibuprofen
  • Resealable plastic bottle

Best Pain Medication Cream: Aspercreme with Lidocaine Maximum Strength Pain Relief Cream

Best Pain Medication Cream
Aspercreme with Lidocaine Maximum Strength Pain Relief Cream
This maximum strength pain relief cream penetrates aching muscles and joints.

Aspercreme with Lidocaine Maximum Strength Pain Relief Cream is a topical pain medication that provides numbing relief for hours. The cream contains 4% lidocaine, a medication that targets pain receptors. The fast-acting formula penetrates muscles and joints in minutes to temporarily relieve minor pain.

The cream helps relieve pain associated with arthritis, backaches, strains, sprains, and more. It has an odor-free, non-greasy formula, and will not cause irritation or burning. Most reviewers of this pain medication say it works exactly as advertised.

Aspercreme with Lidocaine Maximum Strength Pain Relief Cream Key Features: 

  • Contains 4% lidocaine
  • Relieves aching muscles and joints
  • Fast-acting formula
  • Odor-free, non-greasy formula

Best Budget Pain Medication: Amazon Basic Care Extra Strength Acetaminophen Caplets 500 mg

Best Budget Pain Medication
Amazon Basic Care Extra Strength Acetaminophen Caplets 500 mg
An extra strength pain medication that temporarily relieves minor aches and pains.

If you’re looking for a budget pain medication with a proven formula, check out Amazon Basic Care Extra Strength Acetaminophen Caplets 500 mg. These caplets contain acetaminophen, the active ingredient in Extra Strength Tylenol Caplets that effectively reduces fever and relieves minor aches and pains.

The pain medication is suitable for adults and children aged 12 years and older. It’s ideal for relieving pain caused by the common cold, headache, muscular aches, toothache, and more. The strong, fast-acting pain medication is popular with reviewers. Many say that it works as well as the leading brand, despite being considerably cheaper.

Amazon Basic Care Extra Strength Acetaminophen Caplets 500 mg Key Features: 

  • Relieves minor aches and pains
  • Reduces fever
  • Strong and fast acting
  • Aspirin and caffeine free

Best Roll-On Pain Medication: Biofreeze Pain Relief Roll-On

Best Roll-On Pain Medication
Biofreeze Pain Relief Roll-On
This clinically recommended roll-on pain medication provides long-lasting pain relief.

Biofreeze Pain Relief Roll-On is a topical pain medication with a unique menthol formula that’s free from NSAIDs, parabens, and propylene glycol. It’s specially designed to deliver fast acting, long lasting, and deep penetrating pain relief for sore muscles, backaches, sore joints, and arthritis.

The pain medication is administered by rolling over sore muscles and joints for a relaxing hands-free massage. It is clinically recommended and trusted by pharmacists, physical therapists, chiropractors, massage therapists, podiatrists, and athletic trainers. This product contains 2 bottles of roll-on pain medication made with 4% menthol.

Biofreeze Pain Relief Roll-On Key Features: 

  • Cooling menthol formula
  • Clinically recommended
  • Fast acting and long lasting
  • Includes 2 bottles of roll-on pain medication

Best Pain Medication Oil: R+R Medicinals Hemp Oil 1000mg

Best Pain Medication Oil
R+R Medicinals Hemp Oil 1000mg
This premium hemp oil naturally relieves chronic pain and inflammation.

R+R Medicinals Hemp Oil 1000mg is an all-natural pain medication made from premium hemp oil. The product contains a range of beneficial ingredients, including terpenes, flavonoids, antioxidants, phytonutrients, and omega fatty acids. Together, these natural ingredients help relieve chronic pain and inflammation. The hemp oil also provides anxiety and stress relief and promotes better sleeping patterns.

This product is made from organically grown hemp that’s extracted through a state-of-the-art process that leaves nutrients intact. It’s third-party certified for safety and consistency, and completely legal in all 50 states. Many reviewers say this pain medication oil is potent and effective.

R+R Medicinals Hemp Oil 1000mg Key Features: 

  • All-natural pain relief
  • Made from organically grown hemp
  • C02 extraction
  • Third-party certified

Pain medication is an essential purchase for anyone who suffers from minor aches and pains. There are many pain medications on the market, but we think these top five picks offer the best quality, performance, and value for money. To help keep your home clean and avoid sharing germs between family members, you should also check out our review of the best disinfectant wipes.