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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)

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Diclofenac

 

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Summary for Tylenol

Over-the-counter

Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is an over-the-counter (OTC) analgesic used for pain relief and to reduce fever in adults and children. It comes in many forms, including tablets, capsules, chewable tablets, liquids, powders, and suppositories. Your dose depends on your age and the product you take. Side effects are rare when taken as directed, but could include nausea and headache. Taking too much could cause serious liver problems.

Indications for Tylenol

Pros and Cons for Tylenol

Pros

  • Very well tolerated, side effects are rare
  • Safe for both adults and children
  • Available over the counter in many different forms
  • Doesn't make you sleepy

Cons

  • Doesn't help with inflammation and swelling
  • Risk of liver damage at high doses
  • Might not work as well to treat moderate-to-severe pain
  • Can interact with alcohol and raise your risk of liver problems

Common Side Effects for Tylenol

Warnings for Tylenol

  • Liver damage
  • Accidental overdose
  • Allergic skin reactions

Summary for Voltaren

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 for Voltaren

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

Pros and Cons for Voltaren

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 for Voltaren

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 for Voltaren

  • 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

Price Card Drug Icon
Acetaminophen30 tablets / 325mg
$6.15$6.15
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Diclofenac Sodium60 tablets / 75mg
$18.00$49.01
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