Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsTylenol vs. AdvilRisks of OTC Pain RelieversChoosing an OTC Pain RelieverIf OTC Pain Relievers Don’t WorkWhen to Talk With a Healthcare ProviderHow to Treat Headache at Home
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Tylenol vs. Advil
Risks of OTC Pain Relievers
Choosing an OTC Pain Reliever
If OTC Pain Relievers Don’t Work
When to Talk With a Healthcare Provider
How to Treat Headache at Home
Tylenol (acetaminophen)andAdvil (ibuprofen)can both treatheadachesbut work differently. While Tylenol and Advil both haveanalgesic(pain-reducing) andantipyretic(fever-reducing) effects, Advil also has anti-inflammatory effects that can reduce swelling and pain throughout the body.
This article reviews how Tylenol and Advil work to treat headache pain. It also describes the possible risks and how to safely use these popular, over-the-counter (OTC) painkillers.
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Choosing Tylenol or Advil for Headaches
Advil (also sold under the brand nameMotrin) is classified as anonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)that also blocks COX but has wide-ranging effects. While Tylenol only works on the brain, Advil and other NSAIDs work on the brain and the rest of the body.
This doesn’t necessarily mean that Tylenol is the lesser option for treating headaches. While some studies suggest that Advil may be better at treating acute headache pain, Tylenol typically causes fewer side effects and is considered the safer option for long-term (or postoperative) use.
On the other hand, Tylenol may not be “strong” enough if headache pain is associated with inflammatory conditions like arthritis. Tylenol may also be better when fever is involved, lowering temperatures more and longer than Advil.
In the end, the choice is based largely on the individual case, weighing the benefits against the risks.
Advil vs. AleveAleve (naproxen)is another NSAID that can be for headaches. It is considered equally effective as Advil but works longer. While Advil needs to be taken every four to six hours, Aleve can be taken every eight to 12 hours.
Advil vs. Aleve
Aleve (naproxen)is another NSAID that can be for headaches. It is considered equally effective as Advil but works longer. While Advil needs to be taken every four to six hours, Aleve can be taken every eight to 12 hours.
Is Tylenol (Acetaminophen) an NSAID?
Risks of Taking Tylenol or Advil
While Tylenol and Advil can often be equally effective in treating a headache, they come with certain risks and side effects.
Risks of Tylenol for Headaches
Due to its effects on the liver, Tylenol should be avoided in people with severe liver disease or an acute liver infection likeviral hepatitis.
Adults should not take more than 3,000 milligrams (mg) of acetaminophen per day. You should take even less if you are 65 years or older.
Check the label of any medications you take as products like cold & flu medicines contain acetaminophen. If you’re not careful, you can easily go over the maximum daily limit without knowing it.
Acetaminophen is generally a safe choice for treating headachesif you’re pregnantbut check with your healthcare provider just to be safe.
What the Location of a Headache Means
Risks of NSAIDs for Headaches
NSAIDs are well known to affect blood clotting if overused. This can lead to gastrointestinal symptoms as well as the formation of stomach ulcers.
By suppressing the production of prostaglandins, which help increase blood flow to the kidneys, NSAIDs might also reduce kidney function. This, in turn, can increase blood pressure and contribute to heart disease.
Because of this, some people need to avoid NSAIDs if they have health conditions like:
If you have risk factors forstrokeorcoronary artery disease, NSAIDs may increase your risk of having a heart attack or stroke.
You should also avoid NSAIDs before and just after surgery to reduce the risk of postoperative bleeding. (This is why Tylenol is typically given after surgery instead of an NSAID.)
Can OTC Painkillers Cause Headaches?
If you get frequent or chronic headaches, regularly using OTC pain relievers can actually cause amedication-overuse headache, also called rebound headaches.
How to Tylenol and NSAIDs Safely
Tylenol and NSAIDs like Advil and Aleve can be used to treat headaches. Choosing the one that is right for you will depend on your needs, preferences, and risk factors.
The recommended dosage for adults and children over 12 years are:
Tylenol can be taken on an empty stomach.On the other hand, NSAIDs can irritate the stomach lining, so it is best to take them with food or a glass of milk.
Before using any OTC painkiller for a headache, speak with your healthcare provider and tell them about any drugs or supplements you take. This can help reduce your risk of side effects, complications, and drug interactions.
Can You Take Tylenol and Advil Together?
On the other hand, you should never take two NSAIDs, like Advil and Aleve, at the same time as it may double the risk of side effects.
Ibuprofen Dosage: A Guide on How Much to Take
What to Do if Tylenol or Advil Does Not Help a Headache
If taking Tylenol or an NSAID does not relieve your headache pain, there are other OTC options. For example, you can a two-tablet dose ofExcedrin Extra Strengthwhich contains a combination of:
Keep in mind that pain relievers with combined ingredients like Excedrin may cause side effects, such as stomach upset or dizziness. That said, these side effects are usually not serious and do not last very long.
Also, remember that Excedrin contains both aspirin (an NSAID) and acetaminophen. Be sure to stay within the recommended daily dosage limits for each medication, especially if you are taking more than one.
You should not take any OTC painkiller for an unlimited period of time. To prevent side effects, take the lowest dosage needed for the shortest amount of time.
10 Ways to Relieve a Tension Headache at Home
Talk to your provider if you’ve been having headaches with other unusual symptoms as this could be a sign of something serious.
For example, vision changes like anauracould mean that you’re having amigrainerather than a regular headache.Or, a headache with a stiff neck and extreme light sensitivity might suggest a potentially life-threatening case ofmeningitis.
If you’ve been taking an OTC painkiller for more than 10 days and still have pain, talk to your healthcare provider as soon as possible.
What to Do If Your Headache Lasts for Days
Using Excedrin for Treating Headaches
Summary
Advil and Tylenol are common OTC medications for headache relief. Research supports the use of either for most tension-type headaches.
However, Tylenol can be hard on the liver if taken too long or in high doses. If you have liver disease or drink heavily, you should avoid Tylenol.
NSAIDs like Advil carry a risk of peptic ulcers, kidney failure, and high blood pressure. Thus, if you have a history of stomach bleeding, kidney disease, or heart disease, you should not take NSAIDs.
A Word From VerywellThis article emphasizes the importance of considering individual circumstances and health conditions when selecting an over-the-counter painkiller for headache relief. It’s always important to use such medications safely and effectively.—SMITA PATEL, DO, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
A Word From Verywell
This article emphasizes the importance of considering individual circumstances and health conditions when selecting an over-the-counter painkiller for headache relief. It’s always important to use such medications safely and effectively.—SMITA PATEL, DO, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
This article emphasizes the importance of considering individual circumstances and health conditions when selecting an over-the-counter painkiller for headache relief. It’s always important to use such medications safely and effectively.
—SMITA PATEL, DO, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
21 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Jóźwiak-Bebenista M, Nowak JZ.Paracetamol: mechanism of action, applications and safety concern.Acta Pol Pharm. 2014;71(1):11-23.Tai FWD, McAlindon ME.Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and the gastrointestinal tract.Clin Med (Lond). 2021;21(2):131-134. doi:10.7861/clinmed.2021-0039Tan E, Braithwaite I, McKinlay CJD, Dalziel SR.Comparison of acetaminophen (paracetamol) with ibuprofen for treatment of fever or pain in children younger than 2 years, a systematic review and meta-analysis.JAMA Netw Open.2020;3(10):e2022398. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2020.22398Ghosh A, Berger I, Remien CH, Mubayi A, et al.The role of alcohol consumption on acetaminophen induced liver injury: implications from a mathematical model.J Theoretic Biol.2021;519:110559. doi:10.1016/j.jtbi.2020.110559National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Clinical and research information on drug-induced liver injury: acetaminophen.Medline Plus.Acetaminophen overdose.Negro A, Delaruelle Z, Ivanova TA.Headache and pregnancy: a systematic review.J Headache Pain. 2017;18(1):106. doi:10.1186/s10194-017-0816-0National Library of Medicine.Ibuprofen.U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Ibuprofen drug facts label.Tylenol.Products & dosage information for patients 12 and older.Advil.Advil tablets.Aleve.Aleve dosage.Haag G, Diener HC, May A, et al.Self-medication of migraine and tension-type headache: summary of the evidence-based recommendations of the Deutsche Migraine and Kopfschmerzgesellschaft (DMKG), the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Neurologie (DGN), the Österreichische Kopfschmerzgesellschaft (ÖKSG) and the Schweizerische Kopfwehgesellschaft (SKG).J Headache Pain.2011;12(2):201-217. doi:10.1007/s10194-010-0266-4Moore N, Pollack C, Butkerait P.Adverse drug reactions and drug–drug interactions with over-the-counter NSAIDs.Therapeutics and Clinical Risk Management. 11:1061-1075. doi:10.2147/TCRM.S79135Excedrin.Excedrin extra strength caplets.Lipton RB, Diener H-C, Robbins MS, Garas SY, Patel K.Caffeine in the management of patients with headache.J Headache Pain.2017;18(1):107. doi:10.1186/s10194-017-0806-2Moore AR, Derry S, Wiffen PJ, Straube S, Bendtsen L.Evidence for efficacy of acute treatment of episodic tension-type headache: methodological critique of randomised trials for oral treatments.Pain. 2014;155(11):2220-2228. doi:10.1016/j.pain.2014.08.009Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Meningitis.UpToDate.com.Patient education: nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (beyond the basics).Ashina S, Mitsikostas DD, Lee MJ, et al.Tension-type headache.Nat Rev Dis Primers.2021;7(1):24. doi:10.1038/s41572-021-00257-2Johns Hopkins Medicine.Tension headaches.Additional ReadingDiener HC.Headache: insight, understanding, treatment and patient management.Int J Clin Pract Suppl.2013;67:33-36. doi:10.1111/ijcp.12049Taylor FR.Tension-type headache in adults: acute treatment.
21 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Jóźwiak-Bebenista M, Nowak JZ.Paracetamol: mechanism of action, applications and safety concern.Acta Pol Pharm. 2014;71(1):11-23.Tai FWD, McAlindon ME.Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and the gastrointestinal tract.Clin Med (Lond). 2021;21(2):131-134. doi:10.7861/clinmed.2021-0039Tan E, Braithwaite I, McKinlay CJD, Dalziel SR.Comparison of acetaminophen (paracetamol) with ibuprofen for treatment of fever or pain in children younger than 2 years, a systematic review and meta-analysis.JAMA Netw Open.2020;3(10):e2022398. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2020.22398Ghosh A, Berger I, Remien CH, Mubayi A, et al.The role of alcohol consumption on acetaminophen induced liver injury: implications from a mathematical model.J Theoretic Biol.2021;519:110559. doi:10.1016/j.jtbi.2020.110559National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Clinical and research information on drug-induced liver injury: acetaminophen.Medline Plus.Acetaminophen overdose.Negro A, Delaruelle Z, Ivanova TA.Headache and pregnancy: a systematic review.J Headache Pain. 2017;18(1):106. doi:10.1186/s10194-017-0816-0National Library of Medicine.Ibuprofen.U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Ibuprofen drug facts label.Tylenol.Products & dosage information for patients 12 and older.Advil.Advil tablets.Aleve.Aleve dosage.Haag G, Diener HC, May A, et al.Self-medication of migraine and tension-type headache: summary of the evidence-based recommendations of the Deutsche Migraine and Kopfschmerzgesellschaft (DMKG), the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Neurologie (DGN), the Österreichische Kopfschmerzgesellschaft (ÖKSG) and the Schweizerische Kopfwehgesellschaft (SKG).J Headache Pain.2011;12(2):201-217. doi:10.1007/s10194-010-0266-4Moore N, Pollack C, Butkerait P.Adverse drug reactions and drug–drug interactions with over-the-counter NSAIDs.Therapeutics and Clinical Risk Management. 11:1061-1075. doi:10.2147/TCRM.S79135Excedrin.Excedrin extra strength caplets.Lipton RB, Diener H-C, Robbins MS, Garas SY, Patel K.Caffeine in the management of patients with headache.J Headache Pain.2017;18(1):107. doi:10.1186/s10194-017-0806-2Moore AR, Derry S, Wiffen PJ, Straube S, Bendtsen L.Evidence for efficacy of acute treatment of episodic tension-type headache: methodological critique of randomised trials for oral treatments.Pain. 2014;155(11):2220-2228. doi:10.1016/j.pain.2014.08.009Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Meningitis.UpToDate.com.Patient education: nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (beyond the basics).Ashina S, Mitsikostas DD, Lee MJ, et al.Tension-type headache.Nat Rev Dis Primers.2021;7(1):24. doi:10.1038/s41572-021-00257-2Johns Hopkins Medicine.Tension headaches.Additional ReadingDiener HC.Headache: insight, understanding, treatment and patient management.Int J Clin Pract Suppl.2013;67:33-36. doi:10.1111/ijcp.12049Taylor FR.Tension-type headache in adults: acute treatment.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Jóźwiak-Bebenista M, Nowak JZ.Paracetamol: mechanism of action, applications and safety concern.Acta Pol Pharm. 2014;71(1):11-23.Tai FWD, McAlindon ME.Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and the gastrointestinal tract.Clin Med (Lond). 2021;21(2):131-134. doi:10.7861/clinmed.2021-0039Tan E, Braithwaite I, McKinlay CJD, Dalziel SR.Comparison of acetaminophen (paracetamol) with ibuprofen for treatment of fever or pain in children younger than 2 years, a systematic review and meta-analysis.JAMA Netw Open.2020;3(10):e2022398. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2020.22398Ghosh A, Berger I, Remien CH, Mubayi A, et al.The role of alcohol consumption on acetaminophen induced liver injury: implications from a mathematical model.J Theoretic Biol.2021;519:110559. doi:10.1016/j.jtbi.2020.110559National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Clinical and research information on drug-induced liver injury: acetaminophen.Medline Plus.Acetaminophen overdose.Negro A, Delaruelle Z, Ivanova TA.Headache and pregnancy: a systematic review.J Headache Pain. 2017;18(1):106. doi:10.1186/s10194-017-0816-0National Library of Medicine.Ibuprofen.U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Ibuprofen drug facts label.Tylenol.Products & dosage information for patients 12 and older.Advil.Advil tablets.Aleve.Aleve dosage.Haag G, Diener HC, May A, et al.Self-medication of migraine and tension-type headache: summary of the evidence-based recommendations of the Deutsche Migraine and Kopfschmerzgesellschaft (DMKG), the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Neurologie (DGN), the Österreichische Kopfschmerzgesellschaft (ÖKSG) and the Schweizerische Kopfwehgesellschaft (SKG).J Headache Pain.2011;12(2):201-217. doi:10.1007/s10194-010-0266-4Moore N, Pollack C, Butkerait P.Adverse drug reactions and drug–drug interactions with over-the-counter NSAIDs.Therapeutics and Clinical Risk Management. 11:1061-1075. doi:10.2147/TCRM.S79135Excedrin.Excedrin extra strength caplets.Lipton RB, Diener H-C, Robbins MS, Garas SY, Patel K.Caffeine in the management of patients with headache.J Headache Pain.2017;18(1):107. doi:10.1186/s10194-017-0806-2Moore AR, Derry S, Wiffen PJ, Straube S, Bendtsen L.Evidence for efficacy of acute treatment of episodic tension-type headache: methodological critique of randomised trials for oral treatments.Pain. 2014;155(11):2220-2228. doi:10.1016/j.pain.2014.08.009Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Meningitis.UpToDate.com.Patient education: nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (beyond the basics).Ashina S, Mitsikostas DD, Lee MJ, et al.Tension-type headache.Nat Rev Dis Primers.2021;7(1):24. doi:10.1038/s41572-021-00257-2Johns Hopkins Medicine.Tension headaches.
Jóźwiak-Bebenista M, Nowak JZ.Paracetamol: mechanism of action, applications and safety concern.Acta Pol Pharm. 2014;71(1):11-23.
Tai FWD, McAlindon ME.Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and the gastrointestinal tract.Clin Med (Lond). 2021;21(2):131-134. doi:10.7861/clinmed.2021-0039
Tan E, Braithwaite I, McKinlay CJD, Dalziel SR.Comparison of acetaminophen (paracetamol) with ibuprofen for treatment of fever or pain in children younger than 2 years, a systematic review and meta-analysis.JAMA Netw Open.2020;3(10):e2022398. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2020.22398
Ghosh A, Berger I, Remien CH, Mubayi A, et al.The role of alcohol consumption on acetaminophen induced liver injury: implications from a mathematical model.J Theoretic Biol.2021;519:110559. doi:10.1016/j.jtbi.2020.110559
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Clinical and research information on drug-induced liver injury: acetaminophen.
Medline Plus.Acetaminophen overdose.
Negro A, Delaruelle Z, Ivanova TA.Headache and pregnancy: a systematic review.J Headache Pain. 2017;18(1):106. doi:10.1186/s10194-017-0816-0
National Library of Medicine.Ibuprofen.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Ibuprofen drug facts label.
Tylenol.Products & dosage information for patients 12 and older.
Advil.Advil tablets.
Aleve.Aleve dosage.
Haag G, Diener HC, May A, et al.Self-medication of migraine and tension-type headache: summary of the evidence-based recommendations of the Deutsche Migraine and Kopfschmerzgesellschaft (DMKG), the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Neurologie (DGN), the Österreichische Kopfschmerzgesellschaft (ÖKSG) and the Schweizerische Kopfwehgesellschaft (SKG).J Headache Pain.2011;12(2):201-217. doi:10.1007/s10194-010-0266-4
Moore N, Pollack C, Butkerait P.Adverse drug reactions and drug–drug interactions with over-the-counter NSAIDs.Therapeutics and Clinical Risk Management. 11:1061-1075. doi:10.2147/TCRM.S79135
Excedrin.Excedrin extra strength caplets.
Lipton RB, Diener H-C, Robbins MS, Garas SY, Patel K.Caffeine in the management of patients with headache.J Headache Pain.2017;18(1):107. doi:10.1186/s10194-017-0806-2
Moore AR, Derry S, Wiffen PJ, Straube S, Bendtsen L.Evidence for efficacy of acute treatment of episodic tension-type headache: methodological critique of randomised trials for oral treatments.Pain. 2014;155(11):2220-2228. doi:10.1016/j.pain.2014.08.009
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Meningitis.
UpToDate.com.Patient education: nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (beyond the basics).
Ashina S, Mitsikostas DD, Lee MJ, et al.Tension-type headache.Nat Rev Dis Primers.2021;7(1):24. doi:10.1038/s41572-021-00257-2
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Tension headaches.
Diener HC.Headache: insight, understanding, treatment and patient management.Int J Clin Pract Suppl.2013;67:33-36. doi:10.1111/ijcp.12049Taylor FR.Tension-type headache in adults: acute treatment.
Diener HC.Headache: insight, understanding, treatment and patient management.Int J Clin Pract Suppl.2013;67:33-36. doi:10.1111/ijcp.12049
Taylor FR.Tension-type headache in adults: acute treatment.
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