There are so many over-the-counter (OTC) medications for pain and fever relief it is sometimes difficult to decide which product is best. Understanding the difference in Tylenol ® (acetaminophen) and Advil ® (ibuprofen) will help you determine which medication you should take to effectively treat pain or illness.
Tylenol vs Advil: When to use acetaminophen. Acetaminophen, or Tylenol ®, is a good treatment for fever or minor aches and pains. It is the main ingredient in many over-the counter products that treat cold and flu symptoms, like headache and fever.
Tylenol is a good substitute for individuals who are allergic to aspirin and those who cannot take aspirin due to its effect on blood’s ability to clot. (Aspirin reduces blood’s ability to clot.)
It is also easier on the stomach than aspirin and ibuprofen. That means that patients with stomach ulcers or other digestive disorders can usually tolerate Tylenol®.
Tylenol vs Advil: When not to take acetaminophen.
Acetaminophen does not effectively treat pain associated with inflammation caused by arthritis and strained or sprained muscles. This OTC medication does not have any notable anti-inflammatory effects.
Acetaminophen should not be taken by individuals who have liver disease.
Tylenol vs Advil: When to use ibuprofen.
Ibuprofen and naproxen are more powerful analgesics (pain relievers) than aspirin or Tylenol ®. Examples of OTC ibuprofen include Advil® and Motrin®. Medicine that contains ibuprofen or naproxen is good for treating headaches, muscle aches, body aches, and fever.
Ibuprofen, like Advil®, and naproxen have significant anti-inflammatory properties and are more useful than acetaminophen in treating aches and pain due to inflammation and swelling. Pain due to arthritis and inflamed muscles is generally treated better by Advil® than Tylenol®.
Tylenol vs Advil: When not to take ibuprofen and naproxen. Ibuprofen and naproxen should not be taken by patients who are allergic to aspirin. Individuals who are allergic to aspirin may also be allergic ibuprofen and naproxen.
Individuals with stomach ulcers or other digestive disorders may not be able to tolerate naproxen or ibuprofen. These medications are reported to cause stomach pain and bleeding.
Taking this OTC medication with food or milk may help reduce the chance of experiencing side effects.
It is recommended that patients with kidney problems, congestive heart failure, diabetes and other chronic illnesses do not take this product, except under the direction and supervision of a physician.
Is Advil® or Tylenol® better? Which is the better medication? The answer depends on the cause of your pain or fever and your individual health.
Ibuprofen (Advil), naproxen, and acetaminophen (Tylenol)are all effective in treating fever and mild to moderate pain, such as headaches.
Advil (ibuprofen) and Motrin (naproxen) are best for pain due to arthritis joint pain, muscle inflammation, or menstruation.
From there, take your own personal medical history into account before you take Tylenol® or Advil®. If you have questions or are uncertain about whether to take acetaminophen or Ibuprofen/naproxen talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
*This is a general guide for choosing an over-the-counter pain medication and does not substitute for the counsel of your pharmacist or physician. Consult a physician when pain or fever persist or increase in intensity.
