Aspirin, ibuprofen, or acetaminophen? What’s the difference… This may come as a surprise to some, but not all pain relievers are the same. In fact, the difference between many over-the-counter pain relievers can have various effects on your body. People sometimes refer to a specific over-the-counter
medication (OTC)–Tylenol, aspirin, Advil, etc.–even if they don’t have a specific brand in mind. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) considers all three effective for the same minor aches and pains. Each can reduce fever and relieve headache, muscle aches, menstrual pain, toothache, and similar discomfort—although they differ in their effectiveness against certain of these symptoms. The active ingredient in aspirin is acetylsalicylic acid
which inhibits the body of prostaglandins, concentrated substances where we feel pain. Prostaglandins increase the perception of pain, fever, redness and inflammation that may occupancy injuries. In short, aspirin reacts with your blood chemistry to inhibit the volume of prostaglandins. Aspirin is most often used to relieve minor pain, fever and inflammation, but it does have a unique set of drawbacks. Drawbacks may include: disruption to the upper digestive tract (can cause upset stomach,
heartburn, and dyspepsia); NOT recommended for hemophiliacs because of its anticoagulant (blood “thinning” agent) or for children (linked to Reye’s syndrome). That being said, aspirin is still the most common over-the-counter pain reliever and now plays a huge role in the prevention of heart disease. While many people have never heard of acetaminophen, everyone has heard of the pain reliever brand Tylenol. Acetaminophen was introduced in the
late 50’s and shares Aspirin’s ability to relieve mild-to-moderate pain and to reduce fever, but it lacks aspirin’s anti-inflammatory effect. Although it can relieve the pain caused by inflammation, it can’t reduce the inflammation itself. As a result, it won’t do much for arthritis and sprains. Another noteworthy difference is that while consuming alcohol it is NOT recommended to take acetaminophen in any amount because the liver becomes more susceptible to damage. Doctors also argue that
acetaminophen is easier to overdose than its peers which could result in fatality. The advantage to acetaminophen is that it is considered a “safer” alternative for those who have a sensitive stomach, making it the best headache treatment for people with acid reflux disease or ulcers. Acetaminophen is also safer for children than aspirin, but because of its many known combinations with sleeping agents, always read the label carefully. Ibuprofen a.k.a Motrin, AdvilIbuprofen and aspirin seem to work the same way in the body because both inhibit the production of prostaglandins, hormone like chemicals involved in causing pain and inflammation. Because of these effects it is widely used for arthritis and menstrual pains. Similar to acetaminophen, Ibuprofen can play a role in stomach upset, the most common side effect of both aspirin and ibuprofen. Because ibuprofen inhibits prostaglandins which exert a protective effect on the stomach lining, it increases the chances of stomach upset. However, ibuprofen is a happy medium on the “stomach-upset scale” between aspirin (more irritating) and Tylenol (less irritating). When comparing pain relievers it is important to consider the advantages and disadvantages of each. Unless you have certain diseases, conditions, or pregnant, most individuals won’t go wrong with any of the three pain relievers (provided its use is occasional). In general, anyone who should avoid aspirin for any reason should also avoid ibuprofen—and vice versa. Both drugs generally work the same way with similar side effects. Always read the dosage instruction on over-the-counter medications and consult your doctor if you have questions. If you need help finding a doctor, let us help you make an appointment. Related ContentPartnership with University of Pittsburg Whole Blood in Trauma Patients StudyThe University of Tennessee Medical Center to participate in clinical trial with the University of Pittsburgh to study whole blood in trauma patients.... Read More Bright HealthCare Exits Marketplace for 2023Bright HealthCare will no longer be available in Marketplace for 2023. Open enrollment for Marketplace is November 1, 2022, through January 15, 2023.... Read More Cole Center Designated a Parkinson’s Foundation Comprehensive Care CenterThe Cole Center for Parkinson’s & Movement Disorders at The University of Tennessee Medical Center (UTMC) has been selected to join the Parkinson’s... Read More  Pediatrics at HSS
Ever wonder which over-the-counter medicine to give a child experiencing muscle aches or pain from a mild injury? Tylenol, Advil, and Aleve are common pain relievers on drugstore shelves. While all three medications can help alleviate a child's discomfort, the active ingredient in each drug is different. In Tylenol, it's acetaminophen; in Advil and Motrin, it's ibuprofen; and in Aleve, it is naproxen. Dr. Shevaun Doyle, a pediatric orthopedic surgeon at HSS, provides some general information and guidelines about acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and naproxen: Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
Ibuprofen (Advil and Motrin)
Naproxen (Aleve)
Proper Dosage is KeyNo matter which medication is used, Dr. Doyle advises parents to pay careful attention to dosing. For the liquid form, parents should use the dropper or dosing cup that comes with the product. Kitchen spoons should never be used since they're not uniform in size. A study commissioned by the National Institutes of Health found that many parents had trouble measuring the proper dose and inadvertently gave their children too much medicine. The research supports the use of oral syringes rather than dosing cups, especially when small amounts of medication are given. "Some parents mistakenly believe that because a medicine is sold over the counter, it's safer. That's not the case. An overdose can be very serious," Dr. Doyle said. In addition, she notes that the active ingredients in Tylenol and Advil are also found in other medications, such as cough and cold medicines. Parents are advised to read the list of ingredients in all medications a child is receiving to prevent double dosing. Dr. Doyle also recommends that parents set up a schedule. "It's a good idea to write down the time a medication is given so it's easier to keep track of how much a child is receiving," she says. "If a parent has any questions about which over-the-counter medication to use or the proper dose, it's best to call the child's doctor." Reviewed and updated May 9, 2022 More ArticlesWhat is the difference between acetaminophen and Tylenol?Yes, acetaminophen is the same as Tylenol. Acetaminophen is the generic name for the brand name medication Tylenol, made by McNeil Consumer. Acetaminophen is a pain reliever for mild to moderate pain, such as headaches, muscles aches, backache, and toothaches, and fevers.
Which is safer acetaminophen or ibuprofen?Advil can be harder on the stomach and kidneys, while Tylenol is harder on the liver. Overall, Advil and Tylenol are safe for most people when used correctly. Be sure to read the labels of all your medications to make sure you're not taking too much of either.
What is another name for acetaminophen?Acetaminophen (paracetamol), also commonly known as Tylenol, is the most commonly taken analgesic worldwide and is recommended as first-line therapy in pain conditions by the World Health Organization (WHO). It is also used for its antipyretic effects, helping to reduce fever.
Is acetaminophen and ibuprofen the same thing?They act differently in the body, though. Acetaminophen, which is packaged as Tylenol, relieves pain and reduces fever. Ibuprofen, popularly packaged as Advil or Motrin, is an anti-inflammatory medication that is used to treat moderate pain from conditions like arthritis and menstrual cramps.
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Are tylenol and acetaminophen the same thing
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