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The first line of treatment for many knee and hip problems includes taking over-the-counter pain medications. Acetaminophen and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen and naproxen are the most common pain medication options. However, these pain medications have a variety of side effects, so it's important to discuss your personal health risks with your doctor when considering long-term use for chronic conditions such as osteoarthritis. Acetaminophen (Tylenol and other brands) is usually effective for mild pain and is easy on the stomach. However, it is toxic to the liver at high doses. The recommended maximum per day is generally set at 4 grams (4,000 milligrams), which is the equivalent of eight extra-strength Tylenol tablets. But that dosage can still cause liver problems for some people. To be safe, aim for 3,000 milligrams or less, and be cautious of mixing multiple products containing acetaminophen, such as a pain reliever and a cold medication or a prescribed narcotic. The FDA now recommends using products containing no more than 325 milligrams per pill or capsule (the equivalent of regular-strength Tylenol rather than extra-strength) in order to avoid excessive dosages. Don't take acetaminophen if you drink more than a moderate amount of alcohol on a regular basis or if you have liver disease. NSAIDs such as aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), and naproxen (Aleve, Anaprox) may be more effective than acetaminophen for certain conditions because they reduce inflammation as well as relieve pain. But NSAID medications have side effects, the most common is stomach irritation. It can also cause stomach and intestinal ulcers, which can lead to internal bleeding. You can ask your
doctor about taking a stomach acid inhibitor to reduce these risks. NSAIDs also carry an increased risk of heart attack, stroke, and kidney failure when taken at high doses or for long periods of time. Image: Finstock/Getty Images As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles. No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.
Acetaminophen and Ibuprofen are two of the most common over-the-counter drugs used for treating minor ailments like pain and fevers. Even though they serve the same functions, they belong to separate classes of drugs and work in different ways. Here are the major differences between the two and which might be better for you. The difference between acetaminophen and ibuprofenAcetaminophen belongs to a class of drugs called analgesics. Analgesics are drugs used specifically for pain relief. It is also an antipyretic, which is a class of drugs that are used to reduce fevers. You might recognize acetaminophen at your pharmacy by its most popular brand name: Tylenol. It is also called paracetamol in some countries. It's not completely clear how acetaminophen works, but research suggests that it helps to reduce pain and fevers by inhibiting the COX enzyme. The COX enzymes form prostanoids, which are responsible for our body's inflammatory reactions to certain conditions. On the other hand, ibuprofen belongs to a class of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID). NSAIDs are drugs used to treat inflammation, fevers, and mild to moderate pain. Popular brand names of ibuprofen include Advil and Motrin. Ibuprofen works by reducing the amount of a hormone called prostaglandin in the body, which is released when we are injured or ill and can cause pain and swelling. It does this by inhibiting cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, which are responsible for producing this hormone. One of the key differences is that ibuprofen is better at reducing inflammation and swelling. That's why it is typically recommended as a pain reliever for people who have arthritis. "While both can be used for fever and pain relief, ibuprofen should be chosen instead of acetaminophen for its anti-inflammatory properties when treating conditions such as osteoarthritis or rheumatoid," says Mike Martinez II, DO, a board-certified anesthesiologist and Assistant Professor at TCU and UNTHSC School of Medicine. Who can use acetaminophen and ibuprofen?While acetaminophen and ibuprofen are considered safe to use for most people, there are a few exceptions. For children who are under 6 months, ibuprofen is typically not recommended. People with certain medical conditions are also advised against taking both drugs. If you have a history of blood clots, kidney disease, or liver disease, talk to your doctor before taking either medication. Also, both medications should be avoided if you are a heavy drinker. According to Santosh Sanagapalli, MD, a gastroenterologist and physician in internal medicine at St Vincent's Hospital in Sydney, Australia, you should avoid acetaminophen if you:
Sanagapalli says you should avoid ibuprofen if you:
The side effects of aspirin and ibuprofenLike with many medications, you might experience some side effects when using either ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Both drugs have minor side effects like nausea and vomiting. But they each have some side effects that are unique to them. Acetaminophen is relatively safe and most people experience no side effects when using the medication. However, you might experience:
If you experience any of the above side effects, you should stop taking acetaminophen and see your doctor. In rare cases, some people might also experience liver or kidney damage from using acetaminophen. This typically occurs when the drug has been used excessively. On the other hand, some common side effects you might experience with ibuprofen, but not with acetaminophen include:
In rare cases, ibuprofen might also cause more serious side effects like strokes, edema, and stomach bleeding. Overall, Martinez says that acetaminophen is typically considered to be safer than ibuprofen. Which one should you take?Deciding which of these medications to take depends on several factors. Your age, illness, other conditions you might have, or medications you might be taking, play a big factor in determining which of the two pain relief medications will be better for you. For illness: Both acetaminophen and ibuprofen work great for illnesses that cause minor pains and fevers, like the cold or flu. "While both are useful for the treatment of mild to moderate pain and fever, some patients find that ibuprofen has a more powerful effect in reducing the intensity of these symptoms," says Sanagapalli. For injuries: Ibuprofen is good for injuries that might result in both pain and inflammation. For example, if you strain a muscle, ibuprofen will be better for you, as it will help with the swelling and inflammation around the strained muscle. For pain relief: Both drugs are effective for treating pain and fevers. But while ibuprofen can help with inflammation and swelling, acetaminophen can't. A 2015 review found that when participants were given a standard dose of ibuprofen in different painful conditions, it was more effective at relieving acute pain, migraines, back pain, and osteoarthritis. When taken orally, ibuprofen takes about 20 to 30 minutes to work, while acetaminophen can take up to an hour. Both pain-relieving effects typically last for about 4 hours. For fever: Research suggests that ibuprofen might be better for treating fevers. In a 2004 meta-analysis comparing the effectiveness of acetaminophen to ibuprofen for treating children's fevers, scientists found that ibuprofen was more effective than acetaminophen for fevers at 2, 4, and 6 hours after it has been given. Insider's takeawayAcetaminophen and ibuprofen are both effective medications used for pain relief and treating fevers. They both have side effects and deciding which is better for you comes down to what you are taking the medication for, what other medications you might be taking, and if you have any other conditions that might be aggravated by the drug. If you are unsure of what to take when in pain, acetaminophen is generally considered to be the safer option. "Because of its safety, acetaminophen should be the first-line painkiller of choice for most people with mild to moderate pain," says Sanagapalli. "Ibuprofen should be reserved for symptoms not responding adequately to acetaminophen. If ibuprofen is used, it should be ideally limited to short periods. If prolonged use of ibuprofen is required, consult your doctor to discuss whether it is appropriate or if alternatives are available." If you have any worries about being adversely affected by either medication, it's advisable to talk to your doctor before taking it. Related articles from Health Reference:
Toketemu Ohwovoriole is a freelance writer for Insider. Read more Read less What painkiller is best for inflammation?NSAIDs such as aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), and naproxen (Aleve, Anaprox) may be more effective than acetaminophen for certain conditions because they reduce inflammation as well as relieve pain.
Does acetaminophen get rid of inflammation?Tylenol (acetaminophen) is not an anti-inflammatory or NSAID. It relieves minor aches and pains, but doesn't reduce swelling or inflammation. Compared to NSAIDs, Tylenol is less likely to increase blood pressure or cause stomach bleeding. But it can cause liver damage.
Does ibuprofen actually reduce inflammation?Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It works by reducing inflammation and pain. Over-the-counter tablets can be taken every four to six hours, as per the label's directions, but there's a limit to how many you can take per day.
Which antiinflammatory is strongest?Diclofenac is the Most Effective NSAID in Reducing Osteoarthritic Pain.
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Whats better for inflammation ibuprofen or acetaminophen
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