Are ibuprofen and tylenol the same thing

Drug information provided by: IBM Micromedex

Descriptions

Ibuprofen and acetaminophen combination is used to relieve minor aches and pains including headache, backache, toothache, menstrual cramps, muscle aches, or arthritis pain.

Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is used in this combination to relieve inflammation, swelling, and pain.

Acetaminophen is used to relieve pain and reduce fever in patients. It does not become habit-forming when taken for a long time. But acetaminophen may cause other unwanted effects when taken in large doses, including serious liver damage.

This medicine is available as an over-the-counter (OTC) product.

Portions of this document last updated: June 01, 2022

Copyright © 2022 IBM Watson Health. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.

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  • Are Ibuprofen and Acetaminophen the Same Thing?
  • What Are Possible Side Effects of Ibuprofen?
  • What Are Possible Side Effects of Acetaminophen?
  • What Is Ibuprofen?
  • What Is Acetaminophen?
  • What Drugs Interact with Ibuprofen?
  • What Drugs Interact with Acetaminophen?
  • How Should Ibuprofen Be Taken?
  • How Should Acetaminophen Be Taken?

Are Ibuprofen and Acetaminophen the Same Thing?

Tylenol (acetaminophen) and Motrin (ibuprofen) are pain relievers and fever reducers used for treating pain and fever associated with many conditions.

Motrin is also used to treat inflammatory conditions such as arthritis.

The drugs belong to different drug classes. Tylenol is an analgesic (pain reliever) and antipyretic and Motrin is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).

Side effects of Tylenol and Motrin that are similar include nausea, stomach pain, skin itching or rash, and headache.

What Are Possible Side Effects of Ibuprofen?

Common side effects of Ibuprofen include:

  • stomach pain,
  • constipation,
  • diarrhea,
  • bloating,
  • gas,
  • heartburn,
  • nausea,
  • vomiting,
  • dizziness,
  • headache,
  • nervousness,
  • skin itching or rash,
  • blurred vision, or
  • ringing in the ears.

Other side effects of Motrin may occur. Consult your physician if you experience any possible side effects of Motrin.

What Are Possible Side Effects of Acetaminophen?

Common side effects of Acetaminophen include:

  • nausea,
  • stomach pain,
  • loss of appetite,
  • itching,
  • rash,
  • headache,
  • dark urine,
  • clay-colored stools,
  • or jaundice (yellowing of skin or eyes).

Get medical help right away if you notice symptoms of a rare serious allergic reaction to Tylenol, including:

  • rash,
  • itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat),
  • severe dizziness,
  • or trouble breathing.

What Is Ibuprofen?

Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) indicated for relief of the signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, for relief of mild to moderate pain, and for treatment of primary dysmenorrhea. A generic formulation is available.

What Is Acetaminophen?

Acetaminophen temporarily relieves minor aches and pains due to: the common cold, headache, backache, minor pain of arthritis, toothache, premenstrual and menstrual cramps, and temporarily reduces fever.

Are ibuprofen and tylenol the same thing

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What Drugs Interact With Ibuprofen?

Ibuprofen may interact with other drugs. Tell your doctor all medications and supplements you use.

What Drugs Interact With Acetaminophen?

Tylenol may interact with aspirin or other NSAIDs and blood pressure medications.

Tylenol may also interact with antibiotics, antifungals, sulfa drugs, tuberculosis medicines, birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy, cancer medications, cholesterol-lowering medications, gout or arthritis medications (including gold injections), HIV/AIDS medications, medicines to treat psychiatric disorders, or seizure medications.

How Should Ibuprofen Be Taken?

The recommended dose of Motrin should be adjusted to suit individual patients needs but should not exceed 3200 mg in the total daily dose. Use of alcohol and smoking could increase side effects. Safe use of Motrin for use by children has not been established. It is not known whether ibuprofen is harmful to an unborn baby.

How Should Acetaminophen Be Taken?

Do not take more than directed.

Liver warning: This product contains acetaminophen. Severe liver damage may occur if:

  • adult takes more than 12 caplets in 24 hours, which is the maximum daily amount
  • child takes more than 5 doses in 24 hours, which is the maximum daily amount
  • taken with other drugs containing acetaminophen
  • adult has 3 or more alcoholic drinks every day while using this product.

Do not use

  • with any other drug containing acetaminophen (prescription or nonprescription). If you are not sure whether a drug contains acetaminophen, ask a doctor or pharmacist.
  • if you are allergic to acetaminophen or any of the inactive ingredients in this product

Stop use and ask a doctor if

  • pain gets worse or lasts more than 10 days in adults
  • pain gets worse or lasts more than 5 days in children under 12 years
  • fever gets worse or lasts more than 3 days
  • new symptoms occur
  • redness or swelling is present

These could be signs of a serious condition.

If pregnant or breast-feeding, ask a health professional before use.

Keep out of reach of children.

Ask a doctor before use if the user has liver disease

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before use if the user is taking blood thinning drug warfarin.

Are ibuprofen and tylenol the same thing

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References

RxList. Motrin Product Monograph.
https://www.rxlist.com/ibuprofen-drug.htm
RxList. Tylenol (acetaminophen) Prescribing Information.
https://www.rxlist.com/tylenol-drug.htm

What is the difference between Tylenol and ibuprofen?

While acetaminophen only works in the brain, ibuprofen works in the brain and the rest of the body. This means acetaminophen only helps reduce pain and fever, while ibuprofen has the added benefit of reducing inflammation and swelling at the site of an injury.

Is Tylenol stronger or ibuprofen?

Ibuprofen is more effective than acetaminophen for treating inflammatory pain conditions. Ibuprofen is FDA-approved to treat osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, whereas acetaminophen may be used off-label for these conditions. However, acetaminophen may cause less serious side effects than ibuprofen.

Is Tylenol just ibuprofen?

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.

Why do doctors recommend Tylenol over 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.