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 medications 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. You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is OTC pain relievers are safe as long as you follow dosage amounts and warnings about drug and condition interactions, the FDA says. A. TrueB. False 2. If the recommended dose of OTC pain reliever doesn't relieve your pain, it's safe to take more. You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is Taking more of the drug can harm your health, the FDA says. A. TrueB. False 3. It's safe to take OTC pain relievers if you've been drinking alcohol. You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is Mixing alcohol with OTC pain relievers can raise your risk for liver damage and stomach ulcers, the FDA says. A. TrueB. False 4. Pain relievers should be taken every 4 hours. You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is Read the label of each product before you take it. Some should be taken every 3 hours. Others should be taken every 8 or even every 12 hours. A. TrueB. False 5. Pain relievers should be taken with food and a full glass of water. You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is Taking a pain reliever with food and water will reduce your risk for stomach problems. A. TrueB. False 6. It's safe to give aspirin to children. You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is Giving a child or teenager aspirin can raise the risk for Reye syndrome, a potentially fatal brain disorder. A. TrueB. False 7. You shouldn't take ibuprofen if you've ever had an allergic reaction to aspirin. You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is Talk with your healthcare provider to find out if you can take a different kind of pain reliever. Don't take any other OTC pain reliever until you have checked with your provider. Your pharmacist can also answer questions about OTC pain medicines. A. TrueB. False Your score was: