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Compare Tylenol vs. Voltaren

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

Key takeaways

Tylenol (acetaminophen) and diclofenac are medications that treat pain and fever. Diclofenac also treats inflammation, but Tylenol doesn’t. Diclofenac is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), but Tylenol isn’t. NSAIDs like diclofenac may be preferred versus Tylenol for arthritis pain and back pain, but they’re not a good choice for everyone. NSAIDs like diclofenac are known to have more risks than Tylenol at regular doses. Examples include nausea, heartburn, and swelling. More serious risks include stomach ulcers or bleeding, and kidney damage. NSAIDs can also raise your risk of a heart attack. However, topical diclofenac (Voltaren Arthritis Pain gel) doesn’t usually have the same risks as oral NSAIDs.

  • Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
    Diclofenac
  • Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
    Diclofenac

  • Summary of Tylenol vs. Voltaren

    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 NSAID
    Prescription only

    Diclofenac is a prescription non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that works well to treat pain and swelling in certain conditions, such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and menstrual cramps. Diclofenac comes in different formulations, including delayed-release tablet and powder packet for oral solution. Similar to other NSAIDs, it has warnings for serious side effects, such as stroke, heart attack, and stomach bleeds, especially with higher doses and longer use.

  • Indications of Tylenol vs. Voltaren

    Indications for
    •Mild pain
    •Fever
    Indications for
    •Mild to moderate pain
    •Osteoarthritis
    •Rheumatoid arthritis
    •Ankylosing spondylitis (arthritis of the spine)
    •Migraine attacks
    •Menstrual cramps

  • Pros and Cons of Tylenol vs. Voltaren

    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 NSAID
    Pros
    •Available in many different formulations, such as tablet, capsule, and powder
    •Available in a long-acting form that only needs to be take once per day
    •Diclofenac potassium (Cambia) powder can help with migraine pain in as quickly as 15 minutes.
    •All brands of diclofenac are available as lower-cost generics.
    Cons
    •Typically have to take multiple times a day (except for the powder and extended-release tablet)
    •Not recommended for use in children (except for diclofenac potassium (Zipsor) capsules, which can be used in children age 12 years and older)
    •Not recommended for use in pregnancy, especially starting in the second trimester or later
    •Not the best option if you're 65 years or older, or have kidney, heart, liver, or bleeding problems

  • Common Side Effects of Tylenol vs. Voltaren

    Common Side Effects for

    Side effects typically aren't common with this medication.

    Common Side Effects for

    Up to 10% of people taking diclofenac experience:

    •Headaches
    •Dizziness
    •Ringing in the ear
    •Swelling in the arms and legs
    •Nausea
    •Vomiting
    •Heartburn
    •Stomach bleeds, ulcers, and damage
    •Passing gas
    •Stomach pains
    •Constipation
    •Diarrhea
    •Rash
    •Dry and itchy skin
    •Anemia
    •Bleeding that's hard to stop

  • Warnings of Tylenol vs. Voltaren

    Common Side Effects for
    •Liver damage
    •Accidental overdose
    •Allergic skin reactions
    Common Side Effects for
    •Heart attack and stroke
    •Stomach bleeding and ulcers
    •Liver damage
    •High blood pressure, heart failure, and swelling of your arms and legs
    •Kidney damage and high potassium levels
    •Severe asthma attack
    •Severe allergic or skin reaction
    •Harm to unborn babies

  • Prices with our coupons for Tylenol vs. Voltaren

    Learn more about Acetaminophen
    Learn more about Diclofenac

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