Which of the following is a commonly used analgesic?

Ibuprofen is commonly recognized as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is widely used for its analgesic (pain-relieving) properties. It works by inhibiting the production of certain chemicals in the body that promote inflammation and pain, making it effective for treating mild to moderate pain, including headaches, muscle aches, and menstrual cramps.

In contrast, amoxicillin and clindamycin are antibiotics used to treat bacterial infections, not for pain relief. Acyclovir is an antiviral medication used primarily to manage infections caused by certain viruses, such as herpes. Although these medications serve essential roles in their respective areas, they do not function as analgesics like ibuprofen does, which directly targets pain relief. This differentiation highlights why ibuprofen is the correct answer when identifying a commonly used analgesic.