Acute pain often is treated with over-the-counter (OTC) therapeutics, including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). However, not all NSAIDs are equally effective for treating different types of acute pain. In this article, we review the data supporting the use of OTC naproxen to effectively treat a variety of types of acute pain, including dysmenorrhea, headache, and dental pain, as well as review adverse effects. This information can be used to provide appropriate treatment for patients experiencing acute pain and help prevent progression to chronic pain.