Is Tylenol The Same Thing As Acetaminophen – Key differences | Treatment | Effectiveness | Cost and comparison | Side effects | Drug interactions | Warnings | For children | FAQs
Acetaminophen and ibuprofen are over-the-counter (OTC) medications that treat pain and fever. Although they treat similar symptoms of injuries and illnesses, acetaminophen and ibuprofen are different drugs. Ibuprofen is part of a group of drugs called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), while acetaminophen is classified as a non-opioid analgesic and antipyretic. Although it can treat pain and fever in a similar way to ibuprofen and other NSAIDs, acetaminophen is not an NSAID.
Is Tylenol The Same Thing As Acetaminophen
As OTC pain relievers, acetaminophen and NSAIDs can treat headaches and other minor aches and pains. Acetaminophen and ibuprofen are generally short-acting medications that need to be taken several times throughout the day. While both drugs are commonly used drugs, they have some differences in side effects and how they are used. Acetaminophen and ibuprofen also contain different active ingredients and work in different ways.
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Acetaminophen—known by the brand name Tylenol—is an analgesic (pain reliever) and antipyretic (fever reducer) medication. The exact way acetaminophen works is not known, but it is thought to act on certain receptors in the brain involved with the sensation of pain. It also works on the temperature-regulating area of the brain to reduce fever. Unlike NSAIDs, acetaminophen does not have anti-inflammatory effects and may not work well for inflammatory conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis.
Ibuprofen is an NSAID that can be used for pain, inflammation, and fever. Common brand names of ibuprofen include Motrin and Advil. Ibuprofen is a non-selective COX enzyme inhibitor that blocks the production of prostaglandins, which are chemicals that cause inflammation. Due to its effects on COX enzymes, the use of ibuprofen carries a risk of gastrointestinal (GI) and cardiovascular side effects.
A dose of regular acetaminophen or ibuprofen lasts for about four to six hours. The usual dosage of acetaminophen is 325 to 650 mg every four to six hours, while the usual dosage of ibuprofen is 200 to 400 mg every four to six hours. The duration of the effects of acetaminophen and ibuprofen may vary depending on the dosage form. Tylenol and Advil extended-release tablets may provide longer relief than regular tablets.
It is important to follow the dosage instructions on the medicine label. Taking too much acetaminophen can cause serious side effects, including liver disease. In rare cases, taking too much ibuprofen can also cause liver disease. Ibuprofen, like other NSAIDs, can cause kidney damage with heavy or long-term use.
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The maximum dosage for acetaminophen and ibuprofen can vary, so it’s always a good idea to check with a healthcare provider. For most adults, the maximum dosage of acetaminophen is 3, 250 mg per day, while the maximum dosage of ibuprofen is 1, 200 mg per day.
Acetaminophen and ibuprofen are both effective pain relievers used to treat mild to moderate pain and fever. Examples of mild to moderate pain include headache, back pain, toothache, muscle pain, sprains, and menstrual cramps.
Acetaminophen is approved by the FDA for the treatment of minor pain and fever. However, it is also commonly used to treat arthritis pain, migraines, and dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation). Acetaminophen does not have anti-inflammatory effects and may not be as effective as NSAIDs for these conditions.
Ibuprofen can be used to treat general acute pain and fever. It is also labeled to treat pain and inflammation from arthritis, migraines, and dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation).
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Research has also shown that acetaminophen and ibuprofen can be used to treat patent ductus arteriosus in premature babies. The ductus arteriosus is a major blood vessel in the baby’s heart that normally closes after birth. However, in some babies, this blood vessel remains open, which can cause heart complications.
Acetaminophen and ibuprofen may have differences in effectiveness when treating fever and different types of pain. Because of its anti-inflammatory effects, ibuprofen may be more effective than acetaminophen for treating inflammatory pain conditions. However, acetaminophen has a lower risk of serious side effects than ibuprofen.
In one meta-analysis, ibuprofen was found to be similar to or better than acetaminophen for the treatment of pain and fever in adults and children. Both drugs were also found to be equally safe. One study in the review found acetaminophen to be safer with fewer side effects than ibuprofen. This analysis included 85 different studies on adults and children.
For acute and chronic pain conditions, ibuprofen has been shown to be more effective than acetaminophen. In one study, ibuprofen was found to be more effective than paracetamol (another name for acetaminophen) for treating different pain conditions, such as migraine and osteoarthritis. Another study concluded similar results and found that ibuprofen produced better pain relief and tolerability than acetaminophen for osteoarthritis.
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Depending on the condition being treated, one treatment option may be preferred over the other. The extent of pain relief from a drug will also vary based on a person’s response to the medication and overall pain tolerance. It is best to seek medical advice from a healthcare professional if you or your child experiences pain or fever.
Acetaminophen can be purchased over the counter and is available in generic and brand name forms. Medicare and most insurance plans may not cover acetaminophen since it is widely available as a low-cost generic drug. The average cash price for generic acetaminophen can be as high as $11.99. By using a discount card, you can save even more and reduce the cost to about $2 for a bottle of generic acetaminophen.
In general, Medicare and most insurance plans cover ibuprofen if it is prescribed by a health care provider. Ibuprofen is available as a generic or brand name drug. The usual cash price for ibuprofen is about $15, which can be reduced by using a discount card. Depending on the pharmacy you use, the cost can be reduced to around $4 for a bottle of 200 mg ibuprofen tablets.
Side effects of acetaminophen can include nausea, vomiting, constipation, itching, and stomach discomfort. Other possible side effects include skin rash and liver damage.
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Ibuprofen can also cause gastrointestinal side effects, including constipation, diarrhea, gas, bloating, nausea, heartburn, and indigestion. In addition, ibuprofen can cause skin rashes and kidney problems.
Allergic reactions to acetaminophen and ibuprofen are possible. Signs and symptoms of allergic reactions include rash, shortness of breath, and chest tightness. Seek medical attention if you experience these side effects.
Both acetaminophen and ibuprofen can interact with warfarin (Coumadin), a common blood thinner. Taking acetaminophen or ibuprofen with warfarin may increase the risk of bleeding. Drinking alcohol with acetaminophen or ibuprofen can also thin the blood and increase the risk of bleeding.
Acetaminophen may interact with isoniazid, an antibiotic used to treat tuberculosis. Taking isoniazid can affect how the liver processes acetaminophen and can cause liver damage. Phenytoin and carbamazepine are anticonvulsant medications that may also increase the risk of liver injury when taken with acetaminophen.
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Ibuprofen may interact with more drugs than acetaminophen. Ibuprofen, like other NSAIDs, can increase blood pressure, which can interfere with the effects of blood pressure medications. Certain antidepressants, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), can increase the risk of bleeding when taken with ibuprofen.
Other drug interactions are possible. Talk to a health care provider for more information about possible drug interactions with acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
This may not be a complete list of all possible drug interactions. Consult a doctor about all medicines you may take.
Acetaminophen is generally well tolerated. However, taking more than the recommended dose of acetaminophen can increase the risk of serious side effects, such as liver damage. In high doses, acetaminophen is known to be hepatotoxic or damage the liver. Ibuprofen is less likely than acetaminophen to cause liver damage.
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On the other hand, ibuprofen is more likely to cause gastrointestinal and cardiovascular adverse effects than acetaminophen. Like all NSAIDs, ibuprofen may increase the risk of intestinal and stomach ulcers, especially in people with a history of peptic ulcer disease. Certain acid-reducing medications can help lower the risk of stomach ulcers with NSAIDs.
Taking ibuprofen can also increase the risk of heart attack and stroke, especially in those with a history of heart problems or high blood pressure. Ibuprofen should be avoided to treat pain before, during, or after coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG).
Acetaminophen may be considered safer than ibuprofen for pregnancy. However, these medicines should only be taken during pregnancy if the benefits outweigh the risks. Taking acetaminophen or ibuprofen can cause premature closure of the ductus arteriosus in infants.
Many studies show that acetaminophen and ibuprofen are similar in reducing fever in children, although some studies suggest that ibuprofen may be more effective than acetaminophen. In addition to fever, acetaminophen or ibuprofen can be used for minor pain and discomfort in children. The best choice depends on your child’s overall condition.
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Acetaminophen and ibuprofen are available in liquid form to make them easier to give to young children. The dosage for acetaminophen and ibuprofen in children may vary, depending on their age or weight. It is a good idea to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate dosage for your child.
In some cases, acetaminophen and ibuprofen can be combined
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