What is better for body aches acetaminophen or ibuprofen

Introduction

Acetaminophen and ibuprofen are medications used to treat pain and fever. However, they have some differences.

Acetaminophen belongs to a class of drugs called analgesics. Ibuprofen belongs to the drug class called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Both drugs decrease pain. Ibuprofen also decreases inflammation.

Acetaminophen and ibuprofen come in many different forms, including:

  • oral tablets
  • oral capsules
  • oral suspension
  • chewable tablets

Ibuprofen also comes in concentrated oral drops. Acetaminophen comes in these other forms:

  • oral elixir
  • oral solution
  • extended-release oral tablets and caplets
  • rectal suppositories
  • rapid melt tablets
  • effervescent tablets

You may know acetaminophen as the brand-name drug Tylenol. A common brand name for ibuprofen is Advil. More brand names for these drugs are listed below.

Both drugs may be used in infants, children, and adults. Ibuprofen can be used in people who are 6 months or older. Acetaminophen can be used for people of any age, but you should talk to your child’s doctor before using it if your child is younger than 2 years.

Infants and young children can be given liquid forms and suppositories. Older children, who can chew and swallow more easily, may take the chewable or orally disintegrating tablets. Strength and dosage vary according to age, so always check the product instructions for exact amounts.

Acetaminophen and ibuprofen are available in every pharmacy. They’re relatively affordable. GoodRx can give you an idea of specific prices in stores near you.

The side effects of acetaminophen and ibuprofen may differ. This is because your body breaks them down differently.

For example, acetaminophen is broken down and removed by the liver. Acetaminophen has a warning about liver damage it can cause that can be fatal (cause death). Liver damage can happen if you take too much in a 24-hour period. You shouldn’t take more than one product that contains acetaminophen at once. For more information, read about the dangers of acetaminophen overdose.

Ibuprofen, on the other hand, is removed from your body by your kidneys. Taking it for a long time can cause kidney damage and stomach bleeding. Using high doses of ibuprofen for longer than recommended can increase your risk of:

  • blood clots
  • heart attack
  • stroke

Check out examples of side effects of acetaminophen and ibuprofen below.

Acetaminophen and ibuprofen can cause dangerous interactions when you take them with certain medications. To reduce your risk, make sure you tell your doctor about all drugs, supplements, and herbs you take.

Both acetaminophen and ibuprofen can interact with alcohol and the blood thinner warfarin.

Acetaminophen also interacts with:

  • aprepitant
  • carbamazepine
  • cholestyramine
  • dasatinib
  • fosaprepitant
  • imatinib
  • isoniazid
  • lamotrigine
  • metyrapone
  • phenobarbital
  • phenytoin
  • probenecid
  • sorafenib

Ibuprofen also interacts with:

  • aspirin
  • enalapril
  • furosemide hydrochlorothiazide
  • ketoralac
  • lisinopril
  • lithium

Taking either acetaminophen or ibuprofen may cause problems if you have certain health issues. Talk to your doctor before using acetaminophen or ibuprofen if you have:

  • a history of blood clots
  • liver disease
  • kidney disease

You should also talk to your doctor before using acetaminophen if you have:

  • glucose-6-phosphate-dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency
  • phenylketonuria

Ibuprofen can cause issues in people who have:

  • a history of bleeding or ulcers in their stomach or intestines
  • asthma, especially if it’s aspirin-sensitive
  • heart disease
  • high blood pressure
  • anemia
  • blood clotting disorders

Acetaminophen and ibuprofen both treat pain, but they work slightly differently in your body. They’re available in different forms and strengths. Each drug can pose different safety issues, especially if you have existing health conditions. If you’re still not sure if one of these drugs is a good option for you, talk to your doctor.

Tylenol and Advil are two of the most common medications found in every American household’s cabinet. Both Advil and Tylenol are used to treat fever and relieve pain. However, one of the two may be a more appropriate option for certain types of pain. There is also a difference in the side effects and risks associated with these two medications. 

Please continue reading to understand the main differences between Tylenol and Advil. This will help you figure out which one might be better for you and your family.

What is Advil? 

Advil is a brand name for the generic drug ibuprofen. Other brands of ibuprofen include Motrin and Midol IB. Ibuprofen belongs to a family of medications called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). These drugs relieve pain, fever, and reduce inflammation. Advil (ibuprofen) works by blocking the COX enzymes. The non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) is non-selective because it blocks both COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes. While this mechanism makes ibuprofen effective at relieving pain and reducing inflammation, it also increases the risk of side effects like stomach bleeding and stomach ulcers

What is Tylenol?

Tylenol is a brand name of the generic drug acetaminophen (called paracetamol in some countries). Other brands that have acetaminophen as the active ingredient include Mapap, Apra, and Aceta. It is a fever reducer and pain reliever. Acetaminophen works by blocking the COX pathway in the central nervous system, but to a different extent than ibuprofen.

Which one is the better option, Tylenol or Advil?

Both acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil) are over-the-counter drugs that effectively treat pain and fever. However, they have different active ingredients, thus, different mechanisms of action. Another key difference between the two is that, unlike Tylenol, Advil also reduces inflammation in addition to pain and fever. 

Some of the things to keep in mind while choosing between Tylenol versus Advil are as follows:

  • Both Tylenol and Advil can be used to treat fever and minor pains like a headache. However, research suggests that Advil, an NSAID, may be a more effective pain reliever than Tylenol for muscle sprains and strains, muscle aches, and joint pain due to its anti-inflammatory effect.
  • Advil and other NSAID pain relievers are not suitable for everyone because they can cause kidney damage, gastrointestinal and cardiovascular adverse effects. 
  • While Tylenol was traditionally thought to be very safe, new research shows it can have more adverse effects than previously believed, especially with higher dosages, which can cause liver damage. 

You should take Tylenol, Advil, or other medications for pain relief at the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible time. If your pain does not improve in a few days, you should seek medical advice. 

Tylenol starts working quickly and provides pain-relieving effects for 3-4 hours. You should not take Tylenol more often than every 4-6 hours. The maximum dose of Tylenol is 4,000 mg (4 grams) in 24 hours. In 2011, the makers of Tylenol lowered the maximum dose of Tylenol products from 4,000 mg to 3,000 mg. The use of Tylenol in people with severe liver disease is contraindicated. Elderly patients and people with kidney disease may need to increase the dosing interval to every 6 hours or a total daily dose of 3,000 mg. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safe Tylenol dosage for you.   

Advil also starts working quickly and provides pain relief for around 4 hours. The usual dosage is 200 to 400 mg every 4-6 hours. The maximum amount of ibuprofen for adults is 800 mg per dose. The maximum recommended daily dose of the over-the-counter Advil is 1,200 mg. You should not take Advil longer than 10 days unless instructed by your healthcare provider. 

What are the risks of taking Tylenol and Advil?

In some people, acetaminophen (Tylenol) can cause adverse events like skin reactions and allergic reactions. Symptoms may include rash, hives, peeling or blistering skin, itching, swelling of the face, hands, or feet, and difficulty breathing or swallowing. If you experience these symptoms, seek medical attention right away. 

Possible side effects of ibuprofen (Advil) include nausea, vomiting, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, dizziness, and ringing in the ears.

Risks of taking ibuprofen (Advil) and other drugs in the NSAID class include peptic ulcer disease and stomach bleeding. NSAIDs can also increase your risk of having a heart attack or stroke.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is worse for your liver, Tylenol or Advil?

Acetaminophen is metabolized (broken down) by the liver and is more commonly associated with liver damage. Ibuprofen is associated with stomach bleeding and kidney injury.

Why do doctors recommend Tylenol over Advil?

Tylenol, Advil, or other NSAIDs can reduce fever and relieve minor aches and pains. However, doctors sometimes recommend Tylenol over Advil for people with heart disease, high blood pressure, kidney disease, or stomach problems. This is because acetaminophen (Tylenol) may be a safer option in such individuals than ibuprofen (Advil).

Why do hospitals prefer Tylenol use over Advil? 

Hospitals bid competitively for drug supplies and usually stock one brand of each type of drug. Hospitals tend to prefer acetaminophen (Tylenol) as a fever reducer and pain reliever because it has fewer side effects than ibuprofen (Advil).

What is best for pain relief from minor aches, joint pain, and menstrual cramps?

For minor aches, acetaminophen (Tylenol) is generally better tolerated than ibuprofen (Advil) in terms of side effects. For joint pain, you should know that ibuprofen is FDA-approved to treat rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Ibuprofen is usually more effective than acetaminophen in treating back pain and toothaches. Both acetaminophen and ibuprofen can relieve menstrual cramps and headaches.

Can I use acetaminophen or ibuprofen while pregnant?

If you are pregnant, you should talk to your doctor before taking any medication, including over-the-counter medicines. In general, acetaminophen may be safer than ibuprofen in pregnant women.

Is it safe to take acetaminophen and ibuprofen together?

Yes, you can safely take acetaminophen and ibuprofen together to relieve mild to moderate pain. Some people find that alternating ibuprofen and acetaminophen works well for certain types of pain. However, it is important to consult a doctor if your pain does not improve after a few days of treatment with over-the-counter medicines. Taking high doses of acetaminophen and ibuprofen can lead to serious adverse effects.

Can you consume alcohol while taking acetaminophen or ibuprofen?

Alcohol is best avoided. Both acetaminophen and ibuprofen can increase the risk of side effects like stomach irritation and bleeding when mixed with alcoholic drinks. 


References:

  1. https://www.tylenol.com/safety-dosing/adult-pain-reliever-comparison-chart/tylenol-vs-advil
  2. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a681004.html
  3. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682159.html

What is the best pain reliever for body aches?

Ibuprofen (trade names are Advil, Motrin, Midol) "targets inflammation, so it is particularly helpful for muscle pain, joint pain and sports injuries.

Does acetaminophen reduce body aches?

It relieves minor aches and pains, but doesn't reduce swelling or inflammation. Compared to NSAIDs, Tylenol is less likely to increase blood pressure or cause stomach bleeding. But it can cause liver damage. Ask your doctor if Tylenol is safe for you.

Why do doctors recommend Tylenol instead of ibuprofen?

“Too much ibuprofen can cause long-term kidney complications and potentially liver complications, too. It can also cause painful and bleeding ulcers in the stomach. Acetaminophen can be hard on the liver and may also cause kidney problems with long-term, chronic use,” Reeder says.

Which is easier on your body acetaminophen or ibuprofen?

Advil (ibuprofen) and Tylenol (acetaminophen) are two of the most commonly used pain relievers. They share some similar features, but have several key differences. Advil is harder on the stomach and the kidneys, while Tylenol is harder on the liver.