Skip to main content
HomeDrug Comparisons
Drug bottle and Pill

Compare Indocin vs. Tylenol

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

Key takeaways

Indocin (indomethacin) and Tylenol (acetaminophen) are both used to relieve pain, but they work in different ways and are used for different types of pain. Indocin is a prescription-only NSAID that helps reduce inflammation and is used to treat various types of arthritis and shoulder pain. It is also available as a rectal suppository that must be stored in the refrigerator. On the other hand, Tylenol is an over-the-counter analgesic that helps lower fever and relieve mild pain. It comes in many forms, including tablets, liquids, and suppositories, and does not need refrigeration. Unlike Indocin, Tylenol does not reduce inflammation and is generally safer for your stomach and heart but can cause liver damage if taken in high doses or with alcohol. Indocin can cause serious side effects like stomach bleeding, heart attack, and stroke, while Tylenol's main risk is liver damage.

  • Indomethacin (Indocin) suppository
    Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
  • Indomethacin (Indocin) suppository
    Acetaminophen (Tylenol)

  • Summary of Indocin vs. Tylenol

    Summary for NSAID
    Prescription only

    Indomethacin (Indocin) suppository is an NSAID that's used to treat different types of arthritis and conditions that cause pain in the shoulder. It helps lower inflammation and relieve pain. As a suppository, it's inserted into the rectum, typically 2 to 4 times a day depending on what condition the medication is being used to treat. Side effects might include headache and stomach upset. Unlike other NSAIDs, indomethacin (Indocin) suppository isn't available over-the-counter and requires a prescription from your healthcare provider.

    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 Indocin vs. Tylenol

    Indications for
    •Moderate-to-severe rheumatoid arthritis, including flare-ups
    •Moderate-to-severe ankylosing spondylitis
    •Moderate-to-severe osteoarthritis
    •Shoulder pain caused by bursitis or tendonitis
    •Gouty arthritis
    Indications for
    •Mild pain
    •Fever

  • Pros and Cons of Indocin vs. Tylenol

    Pros and Const for NSAID
    Pros
    •Good option for people who have trouble swallowing pills
    •Can treat many different types of arthritis
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Only available in one strength (50 mg), so you might need to use several suppositories if you're taking a high dose
    •Might need to take multiple times per day
    •Not available over-the-counter
    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 Indocin vs. Tylenol

    Common Side Effects for

    Note: The side effects listed here are for indomethacin capsules. Side effects for the suppositories might differ.

    •Headache
    •Dizziness
    •Nausea
    •Stomach upset
    Common Side Effects for

    Side effects typically aren't common with this medication.

  • Warnings of Indocin vs. Tylenol

    Common Side Effects for
    •Stomach bleeding and ulcers
    •Heart attack and stroke
    •High blood pressure and heart failure
    •Liver problems
    •Kidney damage and high potassium levels
    •Severe allergic reactions
    •Severe asthma attack
    •Worsening of nervous system and mental health problems
    •Harm to unborn babies
    Common Side Effects for
    •Liver damage
    •Accidental overdose
    •Allergic skin reactions

  • Prices with our coupons for Indocin vs. Tylenol

    Learn more about Indomethacin
    Learn more about Acetaminophen

Compare other Pain drugs

Ibuprofen vs IndocinIndocin vs AllopurinolIndocin vs CelebrexIndocin vs ColcrysIndocin vs FeldeneIndocin vs MeloxicamIndocin vs MobicIndocin vs PrednisoneIndocin vs TylenolMeloxicam vs IndocinNaproxen vs IndocinVoltaren vs IndocinAleve vs TylenolAspirin vs NaproxenAspirin vs TylenolDayquil vs TylenolFeldene vs TylenolMeloxicam vs TylenolMotrin vs TylenolNaproxen vs TylenolNyquil vs TylenolTylenol vs Acetaminophen With CodeineTylenol vs ArthrotecTylenol vs CelebrexTylenol vs CoumadinTylenol vs DiclofenacTylenol vs NaprosynTylenol vs NorcoTylenol vs PlavixTylenol vs Vicoprofen
View More

Browse medications

View All

Research prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.