Best Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug for common cold
Top-rated pick: Naproxen — pharmaranks score 72/100, the highest of the 6 Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug drugs used for common cold, ranked by our independent FDA recall-safety score. Compare them with all treatments for common cold or the full Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug class. Not medical advice — always consult a professional.
Quick answer: Of the 6 nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug drugs we rate for common cold, all are available as lower-cost generics, and most are tablet. Our ranking reflects each drug’s FDA recall-safety record — not clinical effectiveness for common cold; the right choice depends on your situation, so confirm it with your prescriber.
How nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug work
NSAIDs block cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes that your body uses to make prostaglandins, the chemicals behind pain, swelling, and fever. Lowering prostaglandins eases pain and inflammation and brings down a high temperature.
Source: Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf
Other drug classes for common cold
Top nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug for common cold: 1. Naproxen · 2. Aleve · 3. Ec-Naprosyn
| # | Drug | Rating | Type | Form | Generic? | Pharmacy pays | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 72/100 | Prescription | Tablet | Generic | $0 | View → | |
| 2 | Not yet rated | Over-the-counter | Capsule | Generic | $0 | View → | |
| 3 | Not yet rated | Prescription | Tablet | Generic | $0 | View → | |
| 4 | Not yet rated | Prescription | Tablet | Generic | $0 | View → | |
| 5 | Not yet rated | Prescription | Tablet | Generic | $0 | View → | |
| 6 | Not yet rated | Over-the-counter | Capsule | Generic | $0 | View → |
Full ranking · 6 drugs
naproxen
Boxed warningPrescriptionFDA-sourced
Naproxen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug used to treat Juvenile Arthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Back Pain, Bursitis.
Pharmacy pays
From ~$0.05· 8 forms Save up to 34% in classaleve
Over-the-counterFDA-sourced
Aleve (Naproxen Sodium) is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug used to treat Juvenile Arthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Back Pain, Bursitis.
Pharmacy pays
From ~$0.05· 8 forms Save up to 34% in classec-naprosyn
Boxed warningPrescriptionFDA-sourced
Ec-Naprosyn (Naproxen) is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug used to treat Juvenile Arthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Back Pain, Bursitis.
Pharmacy pays
From ~$0.05· 8 forms Save up to 34% in classnaprelan
Boxed warningPrescriptionFDA-sourced
Naprelan (Naproxen Sodium) is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug used to treat Juvenile Arthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Back Pain, Bursitis.
Pharmacy pays
From ~$0.05· 8 forms Save up to 34% in classnaprosyn
PrescriptionFDA-sourced
Naprosyn (Naproxen) is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug used to treat Juvenile Arthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Back Pain, Bursitis.
Pharmacy pays
From ~$0.05· 8 forms Save up to 34% in classnaproxen sodium
Over-the-counterFDA-sourced
Naproxen Sodium is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug used to treat Juvenile Arthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Back Pain, Bursitis.
Pharmacy pays
From ~$0.05· 8 forms Save up to 34% in classFrequently asked
- What is the best nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug for common cold?
- By our independent recall-safety rating — not an efficacy measure — naproxen ranks highest among Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug drugs used for common cold. Always consult a professional.
- Which nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug drugs treat common cold?
- pharmaranks lists 6 Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug products used for common cold, per NIH RxClass drug-classification data — each independently rated and ranked above.
- How are these ranked?
- By our independent score, currently based on FDA regulatory recall-safety data (the methodology blends additional sources as they come online). See the How we rate page.