What is the difference between acetaminophen and ibuprofen

Acetaminophen vs Ibuprofen or, what’s more commonly known as, Tylenol and Advil. Whether it’s a headache, a dull leg pain, or soreness the day after a strenuous workout, many of us will reach for one or the other. But what’s really the difference between Acetaminophen vs Ibuprofen? Is there a lesser evil? Let’s find out which over-the-counter pain reliever is best for you and your specific pain.

Acetaminophen Vs Ibuprofen

What is acetaminophen?

Acetaminophen, or Tylenol, is classified as an analgesic and antipyretic. It’s a pain and fever reducer and, unfortunately, this is where it stops. Experts aren’t actually sure how acetaminophen works other than it affects COX enzymes in the brain. It’s believed to be a weak inhibitor of this enzyme that’s responsible for producing prostaglandins. Other acetaminophen brand names include Aceta, Apra, and Mapap. In some countries, acetaminophen is known as paracetamol.

What is ibuprofen?

Not only is ibuprofen a pain and fever reducer, but it’s also anti-inflammatory. Ibuprofen, or Advil, is classified as an NSAID, or a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug. Ibuprofen blocks COX enzymes differently than acetaminophen. It blocks both COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes, meaning that it runs the risk of stomach-related side effects.

What are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs? (NSAIDs)

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are common pain and fever relievers. NSAIDs are great for relieving headaches, body aches, menstrual cramps, dental pain, back pain, stiffness, swelling, and fevers. The most common types of NSAIDs include:

• Ibuprofen – Motrin and Advil
• Aspirin – Bayer and Excedrin
• Naproxen Sodium – Aleve

Contrary to popular belief, Tylenol is not an NSAID. Although Tylenol is a pain reliever and fever reducer, it doesn’t have any of the anti-inflammatory properties of NSAIDs.

Why and when to take what?

So how do you know when and why to take what? First off, they both work for a similar length of time. So if you’re worried about the pain relief subsiding quickly, it won’t matter which pill you pop. They’re both short-acting (about three to four hours) and give you relief quickly. Acetaminophen in particular should not be taken any more than every four to six hours, with never more than 4,000mg a day. Whereas with ibuprofen, the maximum recommended dose is 1,200mg a day. These numbers obviously differ depending on your age and weight. It’s important not to exceed these recommended doses.

Comparing the two

When it comes to muscle sprains and cramps, ibuprofen is going to be where it’s at. Since it decreases and controls inflammation, this should be the drug that you’re reaching for if you’re experiencing this type of pain. Got a headache or fever? You may want to reach for acetaminophen. It’s been known to reduce these symptoms more efficiently.

No matter which one is your go-to, it’s important to remember that neither drug is free from side effects and risks. Acetaminophen doses at the upper end of what’s recommended have been shown to cause an increased risk of heart attack and stroke, GI ulcers and bleeding, and some pretty negative effects on both the kidney and liver. Consistent use of acetaminophen for more than 13 weeks can cause a decrease in hemoglobin as well. Ibuprofen is less likely to cause GI side effects or adverse cardiovascular events. However, if the dose is high enough it can.

It’s also been linked to allergic reactions and can negatively interact with other meds like diuretics and aspirin. If you’re taking ibuprofen consistently, it’s important to know which medications interact. It’s also advised not to take higher doses of both at the same time. It’s recommended to either take smaller doses of each over the course of a couple of days or alternate between the two. Higher doses of both over a long period of time may lead to hospitalization for GI issues.

Another side note when comparing the two is the fact that acetaminophen is not typically covered by Medicare or insurance due to its wide availability. On the other hand, Medicare and most insurance companies will cover the cost of ibuprofen. If the cost is something you’re concerned about and you have the right insurance or Medicare, you may want to opt for ibuprofen to save some money in the long run.

What’s the verdict?

There’s no one-size-fits-all with Tylenol and Advil. Which drug you reach for should depend on what kind of pain you’re experiencing, your current health condition, your age and weight, and even the history of surgeries you’ve had. To recap, acetaminophen is going to relieve you from pain and fever, while ibuprofen will help with cramps and chronic pain. Sometimes it’s honestly just a personal preference when it comes to these medications. Unless you have a specific case where one will obviously benefit you more, it’s up to you which one you’d rather use for your pain relief.

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