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Acetaminophen vs. ibuprofen for pain quick comparison of differences
The most common brand name for acetaminophen is Tylenol. Some brand names for ibuprofen include Advil and Motrin. How do acetaminophen and ibuprofen work (mechanism of action)? What are they used for?Acetaminophen belongs to a class of drugs called analgesics (pain relievers) and antipyretics (fever reducers). Acetaminophen is believed to work by reducing the production of prostaglandins in the brain. Prostaglandins are chemicals that cause inflammation and swelling. Acetaminophen relieves pain by elevating the pain threshold, that is, by requiring a greater amount of pain to develop before a person feels it. It reduces fever through its action on the heat-regulating center of the brain by telling the center to lower the body's temperature when the temperature is elevated. Ibuprofen belongs to a class of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Other members of this class include aspirin, naproxen (Aleve), indomethacin (Indocin), and nabumetone (Relafen), among others. These drugs are used for the management of mild to moderate pain, fever, and inflammation. Ibuprofen blocks the enzyme that makes prostaglandins (cyclooxygenase), resulting in lower levels of prostaglandins. As a consequence, inflammation, pain and fever are reduced. Which one is better for pain relief, acetaminophen or ibuprofen?Which is better, acetaminophen or ibuprofenAcetaminophen uses
Unless directed by a doctor, acetaminophen should not be used for longer than 10 days. Ibuprofen usesIbuprofen is used for the treatment of mild to moderate pain, inflammation, and fever caused by many and diverse diseases, including;
What are the side effects of acetaminophen vs. ibuprofen?Acetaminophen side effectsWhen used appropriately, side effects with acetaminophen are not common. The most common side effects are;
Other important side effects include:
The most serious side effect is liver damage due to large doses and chronic or concomitant use with alcohol or other drugs that also damage the liver. Ibuprofen side effects
SLIDESHOWPain Management: Surprising Causes of Pain See SlideshowWhat is the dosage for acetaminophen vs. ibuprofen?Acetaminophen dosage
Ibuprofen dosage
What drugs interact with acetaminophen vs. ibuprofen?Acetaminophen drug interactionsAcetaminophen is metabolized (eliminated by conversion to other chemicals) by the liver. Therefore drugs that increase the action of liver enzymes that metabolize acetaminophen, for example, carbamazepine (Tegretol), isoniazid, rifampin (Rifamate, Rifadin, Rimactane), reduce the levels of acetaminophen and may decrease the effectiveness action of acetaminophen. Doses of acetaminophen greater than the recommended doses are toxic to the liver and may result in severe liver damage. The potential for acetaminophen to harm the liver is increased when it is combined with alcohol or drugs that also harm the liver. Cholestyramine (Questran) reduces the effect of acetaminophen by decreasing its absorption into the body from the intestine. Therefore, acetaminophen should be administered 3 to 4 hours after cholestyramine or one hour before cholestyramine . Acetaminophen doses greater than 2275 mg per day may increase the blood thinning effect of warfarin (Coumadin) by an unknown mechanism. Therefore, prolonged administration or large doses of acetaminophen should be avoided during warfarin therapy. Ibuprofen drug interactionsIbuprofen is associated with several suspected or probable interactions that can affect the action of other drugs.
Health NewsAre acetaminophen or ibuprofen safe to take if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?Acetaminophen safety
Ibuprofen safety
QUESTIONMedically speaking, the term "myalgia" refers to what type of pain? See AnswerSummaryAcetaminophen (Tylenol and many other brand names is an pain reliever (analgesic) and fever reducer (antipyretic ). Scientists do not know the exact mechanism of action of acetaminophen. Ibuprofen (Advil) is an NSAID (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug) used for the treat inflammation, fever, and mild pain. Ibuprofen works in relieving mild pain, inflammation, and fever by blocking an enzyme that makes chemicals released in the body that promote inflammation (prostaglandins). Prostaglandins promote inflammation in the body. Common side effects of both acetaminophen and ibuprofen include rash, nausea, and headache. Side effects specific to acetaminophen include kidney damage, anemia, thrombocytopenia, serious skin reactions, and liver failure. Side effects of specific to ibuprofen include tinnitus (ringing in the ears), dizziness, drowsiness, stomach pain, constipation, and heartburn. Dosage depends upon whether the person using acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Multimedia: Slideshows, Images & Quizzes
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Prevention & WellnessSubscribe to MedicineNet's General Health NewsletterBy clicking Submit, I agree to the MedicineNet's Terms & Conditions & Privacy Policy and understand that I may opt out of MedicineNet's subscriptions at any time. Report Problems to the Food and Drug AdministrationYou are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088. References FDA Prescribing Information. What happens if you take acetaminophen and ibuprofen together?The simple answer? Yes, you can safely take acetaminophen and ibuprofen together. This may surprise you, though: Taking these two medications together works better to relieve pain than taking them separately.
How much ibuprofen and acetaminophen can I take together?For minor aches and pains: Adults and children 12 years of age and older—2 tablets every 8 hours as needed. Each tablet contains 250 milligrams (mg) acetaminophen and 125 mg ibuprofen. Do not take more than 6 tablets per day.
What are the side effects of ibuprofen and Tylenol?Side effects of acetaminophen may include nausea, vomiting, constipation, itching, and stomach discomfort. Other possible side effects include skin rash and liver damage. Ibuprofen can also cause gastrointestinal side effects, including constipation, diarrhea, gas, bloating, nausea, heartburn, and indigestion.
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