You can’t predict when you’ll get sick, but you can take steps to stay healthy. Wash your hands regularly, get vaccinated, and avoid contact with sick people. If you do get infected with common colds or other common diseases, take steps to recover quickly by making sure over-the-counter medicines are available at your home.
| Advil | Tylenol |
| Brand name for ibuprofen. | Brand name for acetaminophen. |
| Works by reducing inflammation. | Works by blocking pain signals from the brain. |
| Usually used to treat pain inflammation such as arthritis. | Used for headache or fever. |
| Might cause stomach problems. | Might cause liver damage. |
| Available in over-the-counter and prescription forms. | Only available in over-the-counter form. |
The most often used medicines are Advil and Tylenol. Do you know the differences between them? Read on to figure out the key distinctions.
Advil is a brand name for ibuprofen, while Tylenol is a brand name for acetaminophen. Both are pain relievers, but they work in different ways.
Advil is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), while Tylenol is an acetaminophen. NSAIDs work by reducing inflammation, while acetaminophen works by blocking pain signals from the brain.
People usually use Advil when they have pain from inflammation, such as pain from arthritis, while people usually use Tylenol when they have pain from a headache or a fever.
Advil and Tylenol are both available over the counter, but it is important to follow the directions on the label and not take more than the recommended dose. Taking too much of either drug can be harmful.
Advil is more likely to cause stomach problems than Tylenol, so people who have problems with their stomach should avoid using Advil. Tylenol is more likely to cause liver problems than Advil, so people who have problems with their liver should avoid using Tylenol. Tylenol should not be given to children who are younger than 2 years old.
Tylenol is less expensive than Advil, so it is sometimes cheaper to buy Tylenol instead of Advil. That’s also the reason why people use Tylenol more often than Advil, so there is more of it available on the market.
Side effects of Advil and Tylenol include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, drowsiness, and dizziness. You are not advised to use either drug if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Advil can also interact with other medications, including: aspirin, warfarin, clopidogrel, and methotrexate. Advil can also interact with other substances, including alcohol and caffeine. If you are taking Advil and consume alcohol or caffeine, you may increase your risk of experiencing side effects.
The active ingredient in Tylenol, acetaminophen, interacts with many medications. It is important to check with a healthcare provider or pharmacist before taking Tylenol if you are taking any other medications, as the combination of medications may result in adverse effects.
Finally, Advil is available in both over-the-counter and prescription forms, while Tylenol is only available over-the-counter.
