Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsIbuprofenAcetaminophenThe Safest OptionWhen to UseFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Ibuprofen
Acetaminophen
The Safest Option
When to Use
Frequently Asked Questions
Two of the most common pain medications andfeverreducers areacetaminophenandibuprofen. Typically available over the counter, acetaminophen is sold in the United States as Tylenol, and is an ingredient in the products Excedrin and Nyquil.Ibuprofen is the active ingredient in Advil and Motrin, among others. These medications temporarily relieve pain due toheadaches, muscle aches, toothaches, and the common cold, among other conditions.
Still, there are some significant differences between acetaminophen and ibuprofen. This article provides an overview of how each drug works and compares what they do, their maximum dosages, safety information, and when you might choose one over the other.
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Ibuprofen is sold under many brand names in the United States, including:AddaprinAdvilCedaprinI-PrinMotrinNeoProfenProprinolUltraprin
Ibuprofen is sold under many brand names in the United States, including:
How It Works
Uses
Ibuprofen provides temporary relief from minor aches and pains due to various conditions, including the following:
Maximum Dosage
As with any medication, it’s important to use ibuprofen only as directed. Taking too much increases the chances of adverse effects, such as stroke orheart attack, and can lead to bleeding in the stomach.
Maximum daily dosesdepend on whether you take prescription-strength ibuprofen or over-the-counter (OTC) varieties. The maximum daily dosage for OTC ibuprofen is 3,200 milligrams (mg) for adults and teenagers; maximum doses for younger children depend on body weight.
Ibuprofen has different strengths, so read the label carefully and ask your provider if you have any questions.
Though it was first discovered in 1889, it wasn’t until 1956 that acetaminophen was used in a clinical setting. Since then, acetaminophen (Tylenol) has become the most prevalent medication worldwide.Unlike ibuprofen, acetaminophen isn’t an NSAID but is an analgesic and antipyretic.
Acetaminophen is a part of combination OTC products sold under several names. Common brand names of medications that can contain acetaminophen include:TylenolTylenol Extra StrengthAcetaNyQuil/DayQuilExcedrinRobitussinMucinex
Acetaminophen is a part of combination OTC products sold under several names. Common brand names of medications that can contain acetaminophen include:
However, some research points to a more direct mechanism. It’s thought that acetaminophen acts on two receptors of the areas of the brain responsible for information transmission (midbrain) and (medulla).These receptors are associated with pain processing in the brain.
OTC acetaminophen is indicated to reduce fever and treat minor pain and discomfort associated with:
Taken at high levels, acetaminophen candamage your liver, which plays a central role in metabolizing drugs you take. The maximum daily dosage of this medication is 3,250 mg for adults and 1,625 mg for children. Severe liver damage can occur if:
Notably, acetaminophen comes in different forms and strengths. Double-check your dosage and use any medications only as directed. If you’ve taken more than the recommended maximum amount, get medical help immediately.
What Is the Safest Pain Reliever to Use?
Ibuprofen and acetaminophen are considered safe for most people when taken correctly. However, several factors may make taking ibuprofen unsafe, including:
For acetaminophen, the most significant risk is the potential effect on the liver. As such,livercirrhosisor liver disease can make taking it more dangerous, and you should steer clear if you know you’re allergic.
Acetaminophen Side Effects
As with other drugs, there are some side effects associated with acetaminophen. The most common of these are:
In addition, if you’re allergic to acetaminophen, taking it can cause anaphylactic shock, a medical emergency. Signs of this include:
Ibuprofen Side Effects
Ibuprofen also can cause some adverse effects. Common side effects include:
In addition, there are several serious side effects. Call 911 if you experience:
Which Is Worse for Your Liver: Tylenol or Ibuprofen?
While low doses are harmless, in high amounts, acetaminophen can impact liver function and lead to liver failure. It has been linked to nearly half of overdose-related acute liver failure cases in the United States.
Which Is Worse for Your Stomach?
Too much ibuprofen can damage and erode the stomach lining, causingulcersandbleeding. Compared to acetaminophen, it’s much tougher on this body part. Compared to acetaminophen, ibuprofen may be more damaging to the kidneys.
When to Use Ibuprofen vs. Acetaminophen
Ibuprofen is effective for pain and inflammation. In contrast, acetaminophen acts on pain processing in the brain; both reduce fever. Which is better for pain and headaches related to the common cold, flu, or fever is subject to individual preference.
That said, ibuprofen may be better for conditions that involve swelling and inflammation, like arthritis, muscular pain, injury to the body, or menstrual cramps. Since acetaminophen is not an anti-inflammatory drug, it won’t be as effective.
Summary
Acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil) are two of the most common pain-relieving medications and fever reducers. Ibuprofen is a pain reliever and an anti-inflammatory drug, whereas acetaminophen acts on pain. Though both are safe for most when taken as directed, adverse effects can arise with acetaminophen and ibuprofen overuse.
Frequently Asked QuestionsSince ibuprofen and acetaminophen are different classes of drugs, they can safely be taken together. There may be a benefit if the two are taken together. In 2020, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved an over-the-counter combination drug called Dual Action.Advil and Tylenol are effective for mild pain. However, some research has found Advil to be more effective than Tylenol. In a wide-ranging review comparing the two, ibuprofen was typically more effective than its counterpart (acetaminophen) for various pain conditions.Learn MoreTypes of Tylenol: How to Choose, Dosage, SafetyAfter taking acetaminophen, the medication must reach your digestive system. Stay upright immediately after taking the medication to make sure the it makes it to your stomach. When lying down immediately after taking the tablets, they can become lodged in your throat, breaking down before they are properly ingested. This can also damage your esophagus (food tube) and cause irritation.Learn MoreTips for Safe Medication Administration
Since ibuprofen and acetaminophen are different classes of drugs, they can safely be taken together. There may be a benefit if the two are taken together. In 2020, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved an over-the-counter combination drug called Dual Action.
Advil and Tylenol are effective for mild pain. However, some research has found Advil to be more effective than Tylenol. In a wide-ranging review comparing the two, ibuprofen was typically more effective than its counterpart (acetaminophen) for various pain conditions.Learn MoreTypes of Tylenol: How to Choose, Dosage, Safety
Advil and Tylenol are effective for mild pain. However, some research has found Advil to be more effective than Tylenol. In a wide-ranging review comparing the two, ibuprofen was typically more effective than its counterpart (acetaminophen) for various pain conditions.
Learn MoreTypes of Tylenol: How to Choose, Dosage, Safety
After taking acetaminophen, the medication must reach your digestive system. Stay upright immediately after taking the medication to make sure the it makes it to your stomach. When lying down immediately after taking the tablets, they can become lodged in your throat, breaking down before they are properly ingested. This can also damage your esophagus (food tube) and cause irritation.Learn MoreTips for Safe Medication Administration
After taking acetaminophen, the medication must reach your digestive system. Stay upright immediately after taking the medication to make sure the it makes it to your stomach. When lying down immediately after taking the tablets, they can become lodged in your throat, breaking down before they are properly ingested. This can also damage your esophagus (food tube) and cause irritation.
Learn MoreTips for Safe Medication Administration
12 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.US National Library of Medicine.Label: Tylenol regular strength: acetaminophen tablet.Rainsford KD.History and development of ibuprofen. In: Rainsford KD, ed.Ibuprofen. John Wiley & Sons, Ltd; 2015:1-21.National Library of Medicine Medline Plus.Ibuprofen.Mazaleuskaya LL, Theken KN, Gong L, et al.PharmGKB summary: ibuprofen pathways.Pharmacogenet Genomics. 2015;25(2):96-106. doi:10.1097/FPC.0000000000000113US Food and Drug Administration.Ibuprofen: drug facts label.US National Library of Medicine.Label: Advil: ibuprofen tablet coated.Brune K, Renner B, Tiegs G.Acetaminophen/paracetamol: a history of errors, failures and false decisions: 130 years of aniline analgesics.Eur J Pain. 2015;19(7):953-965. https://doi.org/10.1002/ejp.621Ohashi N, Kohno T.Analgesic effect of acetaminophen: a review of known and novel mechanisms of action.Front Pharmacol. 2020;11:580289. doi:10.3389/fphar.2020.580289Yoon E, Babar A, Choudhary M, Kutner M, Pyrsopoulos N.Acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity: a comprehensive update.J Clin Transl Hepatol. 2016;4(2):131-142. doi:10.14218/JCTH.2015.00052US Food and Drug Administration.NDA approval.Moore RA, Derry S, Wiffen PJ, Straube S, Aldington DJ.Overview review: Comparative efficacy of oral ibuprofen and paracetamol (acetaminophen) across acute and chronic pain conditions.Eur J Pain. 2015;19(9):1213-1223.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Medicines and the digestive system.
12 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.US National Library of Medicine.Label: Tylenol regular strength: acetaminophen tablet.Rainsford KD.History and development of ibuprofen. In: Rainsford KD, ed.Ibuprofen. John Wiley & Sons, Ltd; 2015:1-21.National Library of Medicine Medline Plus.Ibuprofen.Mazaleuskaya LL, Theken KN, Gong L, et al.PharmGKB summary: ibuprofen pathways.Pharmacogenet Genomics. 2015;25(2):96-106. doi:10.1097/FPC.0000000000000113US Food and Drug Administration.Ibuprofen: drug facts label.US National Library of Medicine.Label: Advil: ibuprofen tablet coated.Brune K, Renner B, Tiegs G.Acetaminophen/paracetamol: a history of errors, failures and false decisions: 130 years of aniline analgesics.Eur J Pain. 2015;19(7):953-965. https://doi.org/10.1002/ejp.621Ohashi N, Kohno T.Analgesic effect of acetaminophen: a review of known and novel mechanisms of action.Front Pharmacol. 2020;11:580289. doi:10.3389/fphar.2020.580289Yoon E, Babar A, Choudhary M, Kutner M, Pyrsopoulos N.Acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity: a comprehensive update.J Clin Transl Hepatol. 2016;4(2):131-142. doi:10.14218/JCTH.2015.00052US Food and Drug Administration.NDA approval.Moore RA, Derry S, Wiffen PJ, Straube S, Aldington DJ.Overview review: Comparative efficacy of oral ibuprofen and paracetamol (acetaminophen) across acute and chronic pain conditions.Eur J Pain. 2015;19(9):1213-1223.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Medicines and the digestive system.
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.
US National Library of Medicine.Label: Tylenol regular strength: acetaminophen tablet.Rainsford KD.History and development of ibuprofen. In: Rainsford KD, ed.Ibuprofen. John Wiley & Sons, Ltd; 2015:1-21.National Library of Medicine Medline Plus.Ibuprofen.Mazaleuskaya LL, Theken KN, Gong L, et al.PharmGKB summary: ibuprofen pathways.Pharmacogenet Genomics. 2015;25(2):96-106. doi:10.1097/FPC.0000000000000113US Food and Drug Administration.Ibuprofen: drug facts label.US National Library of Medicine.Label: Advil: ibuprofen tablet coated.Brune K, Renner B, Tiegs G.Acetaminophen/paracetamol: a history of errors, failures and false decisions: 130 years of aniline analgesics.Eur J Pain. 2015;19(7):953-965. https://doi.org/10.1002/ejp.621Ohashi N, Kohno T.Analgesic effect of acetaminophen: a review of known and novel mechanisms of action.Front Pharmacol. 2020;11:580289. doi:10.3389/fphar.2020.580289Yoon E, Babar A, Choudhary M, Kutner M, Pyrsopoulos N.Acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity: a comprehensive update.J Clin Transl Hepatol. 2016;4(2):131-142. doi:10.14218/JCTH.2015.00052US Food and Drug Administration.NDA approval.Moore RA, Derry S, Wiffen PJ, Straube S, Aldington DJ.Overview review: Comparative efficacy of oral ibuprofen and paracetamol (acetaminophen) across acute and chronic pain conditions.Eur J Pain. 2015;19(9):1213-1223.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Medicines and the digestive system.
US National Library of Medicine.Label: Tylenol regular strength: acetaminophen tablet.
Rainsford KD.History and development of ibuprofen. In: Rainsford KD, ed.Ibuprofen. John Wiley & Sons, Ltd; 2015:1-21.
National Library of Medicine Medline Plus.Ibuprofen.
Mazaleuskaya LL, Theken KN, Gong L, et al.PharmGKB summary: ibuprofen pathways.Pharmacogenet Genomics. 2015;25(2):96-106. doi:10.1097/FPC.0000000000000113
US Food and Drug Administration.Ibuprofen: drug facts label.
US National Library of Medicine.Label: Advil: ibuprofen tablet coated.
Brune K, Renner B, Tiegs G.Acetaminophen/paracetamol: a history of errors, failures and false decisions: 130 years of aniline analgesics.Eur J Pain. 2015;19(7):953-965. https://doi.org/10.1002/ejp.621
Ohashi N, Kohno T.Analgesic effect of acetaminophen: a review of known and novel mechanisms of action.Front Pharmacol. 2020;11:580289. doi:10.3389/fphar.2020.580289
Yoon E, Babar A, Choudhary M, Kutner M, Pyrsopoulos N.Acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity: a comprehensive update.J Clin Transl Hepatol. 2016;4(2):131-142. doi:10.14218/JCTH.2015.00052
US Food and Drug Administration.NDA approval.
Moore RA, Derry S, Wiffen PJ, Straube S, Aldington DJ.Overview review: Comparative efficacy of oral ibuprofen and paracetamol (acetaminophen) across acute and chronic pain conditions.Eur J Pain. 2015;19(9):1213-1223.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Medicines and the digestive system.
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