Skip to main content
HomeDrug Comparisons
Drug bottle and Pill

Compare Tylenol vs. Celebrex

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

Key takeaways

Acetaminophen (Tylenol) and Celecoxib (Celebrex) are both used to relieve pain, but they work differently and have different uses. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is an over-the-counter analgesic that helps with mild pain and fever. It comes in many forms, like tablets and liquids, and is safe for both adults and children. However, it doesn't reduce inflammation and can cause liver damage if taken in high doses or with alcohol. On the other hand, Celecoxib (Celebrex) is a prescription-only NSAID that treats pain and inflammation from conditions like arthritis. It works by blocking COX-2 proteins, which helps reduce swelling and pain. Celecoxib (Celebrex) has fewer stomach side effects compared to other NSAIDs but can increase the risk of heart attack and stroke. It is not recommended for use during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy or for people with severe liver disease. While both medications can be effective for pain relief, their different mechanisms and side effects make them suitable for different types of pain and patient needs.

  • Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
    Celebrex (celecoxib)
  • Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
    Celebrex (celecoxib)

  • Summary of Tylenol vs. Celebrex

    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.

    Summary for COX-2 selective NSAID
    Prescription only

    Celecoxib, also known by the brand name Celebrex, is a prescription pain medication that's used to temporarily relieve aches and pains from certain conditions, such as different types of arthritis. Celebrex (celecoxib) is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), but it has a lower risk of causing stomach upset than other medications in its drug class, such as naproxen. The dosage for Celebrex (celecoxib) is typically once or twice a day. It's recommended to avoid taking this medication with alcohol since it can raise your risk for stomach bleeding. Other side effects include headache, indigestion, and diarrhea.

  • Indications of Tylenol vs. Celebrex

    Indications for
    •Mild pain
    •Fever
    Indications for
    •Osteoarthritis (OA)
    •Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
    •Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA)
    •Ankylosing spondylitis (AS)
    •Sudden pain
    •Menstrual cramps

  • Pros and Cons of Tylenol vs. Celebrex

    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
    Pros and Const for COX-2 selective NSAID
    Pros
    •Can use for different types of arthritis
    •Fewer stomach side effects compared to some other NSAIDs
    •Safe to take for children 2 years and older with RA
    •Can open capsules and mix contents with applesauce, so it's convenient for people with difficulty swallowing pills
    Cons
    •Can raise the risk of heart attack and stroke
    •Not recommended during second and third trimesters of pregnancy
    •Not recommended for use if you have severe liver disease
    •Might not be safe for people with a sulfa allergy

  • Common Side Effects of Tylenol vs. Celebrex

    Common Side Effects for

    Side effects typically aren't common with this medication.

    Common Side Effects for

    Adults

    •Headache (16%)
    •Indigestion (9%)
    •Upper respiratory infection (8%)
    •Diarrhea (6%)
    •Sinus infection (congestion, runny nose; 5%)
    •Belly pain (4%)

    Children

    •Headache (13%)
    •Fever (8%)
    •Belly pain (4-8%)
    •Cough (7%)
    •Nausea (7%)
    •Diarrhea (5%)
    •Common cold (stuffy nose, sneezing; 5%)

  • Warnings of Tylenol vs. Celebrex

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

  • Prices with our coupons for Tylenol vs. Celebrex

    Learn more about Acetaminophen
    Learn more about Celebrex

Compare other Pain drugs

Aleve vs TylenolAspirin vs TylenolDayquil vs TylenolFeldene vs TylenolIndocin 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 VicoprofenBenadryl vs DayquilClaritin vs DayquilDayquil vs Mucinex DDayquil vs NyquilDayquil vs Sudafed PeDelsym vs DayquilFeldene vs NaproxenIbuprofen vs DayquilMucinex Dm vs DayquilMucinex vs DayquilRobitussin vs DayquilSudafed vs Dayquil
View More

Browse medications

View All

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