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
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 Over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers can help relieve pain or lower a fever. Over-the-counter means you can buy these medicines without a prescription. The most common types of OTC pain medicines are acetaminophen, aspirin, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Pain medicines are also called analgesics. Each kind of pain medicine has benefits and risks. Some types of pain respond better to one kind of medicine than to another kind. What takes away your pain might not work for someone else. Taking pain medicines before exercising is OK. But do not overdo the exercise just because you have taken the medicine. Read labels to learn how much medicine you can give your child at one time and during the whole day. This is known as the dosage. Talk to your pharmacist or your child's health care provider if you are not sure about the correct amount. Do not give children medicine that is meant for adults. Other tips for taking pain medicines:
ACETAMINOPHEN Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is known as a non-aspirin pain reliever. It is NOT an NSAID, which is described below.
PRECAUTIONS
ASPIRIN and NSAIDS
PRECAUTIONS
Talk to your provider or pharmacist before using aspirin or any over-the-counter NSAID if you:
Medicines for pain non-narcotic; Drugs for pain non-narcotic; Analgesics; Acetaminophen; NSAID; Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug; Pain medicine - over-the-counter; Pain medicine - OTC Aronson JK. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). In: Aronson JK, ed. Meyler's Side Effects of Drugs. 16th ed. Waltham, MA: Elsevier; 2016:236-272. Dinakar P. Pain management. In: Jankovic J, Mazziotta JC, Pomeroy SL, Newman NJ, eds. Bradley and Daroff's Neurology in Clinical Practice. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 52. House SA. Pain. In: Kellerman RD, Rakel DP, eds. Conn's Current Therapy 2021. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier 2021:32-39. Updated by: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team. Why is acetaminophen preferred over NSAIDs?Acetaminophen advantages and warnings
You may prefer acetaminophen over NSAIDs if you have high blood pressure or stomach ulcers or bleeding. That's because acetaminophen drugs such as Tylenol are less likely to increase your blood pressure or cause stomach pain or bleeding than NSAIDs are.
Is acetaminophen and NSAID the same?Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is known as a non-aspirin pain reliever. It is NOT an NSAID, which is described below. Acetaminophen relieves fever and headaches, and other common aches and pains. It does not relieve inflammation.
Which is safer acetaminophen or NSAID?Acetaminophen is the safest of the three drugs. But in rare cases, especially in people who drink alcohol routinely, too much acetaminophen can lead to liver damage. So it's important to keep your total daily dose under 4,000 milligrams — unless advised by your provider.
What is the major difference between ibuprofen and acetaminophen?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.
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What is the difference between nsaids and acetaminophen
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