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Compare Advil vs. Tylenol

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

Key takeaways

Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and acetaminophen (Tylenol) are both used to relieve pain and reduce fever, but they work differently and have different side effects. Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that helps with inflammation, swelling, and pain by blocking proteins called cyclooxygenase (COX). It can cause side effects like stomach pain, heartburn, and nausea, and it has risks for stomach bleeding, heart problems, and kidney issues. Acetaminophen, on the other hand, is an analgesic that works by stopping certain chemicals in the brain and nervous system. It doesn't help with inflammation and has fewer side effects, but it can cause severe liver damage if taken in high doses or with alcohol. Both medications are available over the counter, but ibuprofen also comes in prescription strengths. While ibuprofen is not recommended during the later stages of pregnancy, acetaminophen is generally considered safer for pregnant women. Always follow the dosing instructions and talk to a healthcare professional if you have any concerns.

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  • Ibuprofen
    Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
  • Ibuprofen
    Acetaminophen (Tylenol)

  • Summary of Advil vs. Tylenol

    Summary for NSAID

    Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that's used to temporarily relieve fever, pains, and aches in adults and children. In general, ibuprofen is taken by mouth every 4 to 8 hours, though the dosage depends on your age, weight, and other medical problems. Ibuprofen side effects include nausea, heartburn, and stomach pain, but taking it with food might help prevent these side effects. Ibuprofen is available over the counter and by prescription, depending on the strength you need.

    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 Advil vs. Tylenol

    Indications for

    Over-the-counter ibuprofen:

    •Short-term relief of minor aches and pains due to headache, muscle aches, minor arthritis pain, toothache, backache, the common cold, or menstrual cramps
    •Fever

    Prescription ibuprofen:

    •Mild-to-moderate pain
    •Pain from rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or osteoarthritis (OA)
    •Pain from menstrual cramps
    Indications for
    •Mild pain
    •Fever

  • Pros and Cons of Advil vs. Tylenol

    Pros and Const for NSAID
    Pros
    •Works well for fever, pain, and swelling
    •Available over the counter and by prescription and as lower-cost generics
    •Available as tablets, capsules, chewable tablets, and an oral liquid
    •Chewable tablets and liquid can be used in children
    Cons
    •Lasts for only about 6 hours, so might need to take multiple doses throughout the day
    •Might not be the best option if you're 65 years or older or if you have kidney, heart, liver, or bleeding problems
    •Has risk of stomach bleeding, stomach ulcers, and kidney problems
    •Shouldn't take other NSAIDs at the same time because of higher risk for side effects
    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 Advil vs. Tylenol

    Common Side Effects for

    The following side effects were reported in up to 9% of people in clinical studies.

    •Nausea
    •Stomach pain
    •Heartburn
    •Dizziness
    •Rash
    Common Side Effects for

    Side effects typically aren't common with this medication.

  • Warnings of Advil vs. Tylenol

    Common Side Effects for
    •Stomach bleeding and ulcers
    •Heart attack and stroke
    •High blood pressure and heart failure
    •Kidney damage
    •Liver problems
    •Severe allergic reactions
    •Harm to unborn babies
    •Caution use in people with phenylketonuria (PKU) - chewable tablets only
    Common Side Effects for
    •Liver damage
    •Accidental overdose
    •Allergic skin reactions

  • Prices with our coupons for Advil vs. Tylenol

    Learn more about Ibuprofen
    Learn more about Acetaminophen

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