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Compare Aspirin vs. Tylenol

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Tylenol (acetaminophen) and aspirin are both over-the-counter medications used to relieve pain and reduce fever, but they have some key differences. Aspirin is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that also helps with inflammation and can be used for heart protection in certain adults at low doses (81 mg). Aspirin can cause stomach issues and isn't recommended for children under 12 or children under 18 with fever due to the risk of Reye's syndrome, while Tylenol is generally safer for children. However, Tylenol but carries a risk of liver damage, especially if taken with alcohol. Both medications are available in various forms, including tablets and suppositories.

Aspirin
Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
Aspirin
Acetaminophen (Tylenol)

Summary of Aspirin vs. Tylenol

Summary for NSAID

Aspirin is an over-the-counter NSAID (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug) that helps lessens inflammation. It's used to help lower fevers and relieve pain from minor injuries in people 12 years of age and older. A lower dose of aspirin is also commonly used for heart protection in certain adults who are at risk of having a heart attack or stroke. This medication most often comes as pills that are taken by mouth. Aspirin side effects include heartburn and stomach upset.

Summary for Analgesic

Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is an over-the-counter (OTC) medication used to lower fever and relieve mild pain in adults and children. It's available in many strengths and formulations, such as tablets, chewable tablets, and liquid. In general, acetaminophen (Tylenol) works within 45 minutes when it's taken by mouth. This medication typically doesn't have many side effects. It's recommended to limit or avoid alcohol while taking acetaminophen (Tylenol) to lower your risk for liver problems.

Indications of Aspirin vs. Tylenol

Indications for
•Pain relief from minor aches and pains, such as from headaches, muscle pain, toothache, menstrual cramps, and arthritis
•Fever
•Heart protection (lower the risk for heart attack or stroke) in certain adults - low-dose aspirin (81 mg per day) only
Indications for
•Mild pain
•Fever

Pros and Cons of Aspirin vs. Tylenol

Pros and Const for NSAID
Pros
•Doesn't raise risk for heart attacks like other NSAIDs
•Can help protect the heart in certain adults with or at risk for heart disease when taken at low doses (81 mg per day)
•Available as a chewable tablet for people who have trouble swallowing pills
•Available over the counter in a lower-cost, generic form
Cons
•Has risk for stomach ulcers and bleeding
•Might worsen asthma symptoms
•Not recommended for relieving pain or breaking fevers for children 18 years or younger with the flu because of risk of Reye's syndrome
•Can't be used in children 12 years or younger
Pros and Const for Analgesic
Pros
•Works well to relieve mild aches or pain and lower fever
•Can use in adults and children
•Available in a lower-cost generic and is available over the counter
•Comes in many different strengths and forms (e.g., tablet, capsule, chewable tablet, liquid, powder, suppository)
Cons
•Doesn't help with inflammation and swelling
•Might not work as well to treat moderate-to-severe pain
•Not the best option for people who drink alcohol often because of the risk of liver damage

Common Side Effects of Aspirin vs. Tylenol

Common Side Effects for
•Stomach irritation (e.g., heartburn, stomach upset)
Common Side Effects for

Side effects typically aren't common with this medication.

Warnings of Aspirin vs. Tylenol

Common Side Effects for
•Stomach irritation, stomach bleeding, and stomach ulcers
•Kidney problems
•Reye's syndrome in children
•Harm to an unborn baby
•Severe allergic reactions and skin reactions
•Different aspirin strengths available
Common Side Effects for
•Liver damage
•Accidental overdose
•Allergic skin reactions

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