What Is The Real Difference Between Acetaminophen And Ibuprofen

(KMDL-FM) Over-the-counter pain relievers can usually be broken down into two different drugs. One is acetaminophen; most of us think of the brand-name drug Tylenol when we hear that. And then there is ibuprofen; most of us think of the name Advil when we hear that medication. We know they both relieve pain. But they are two totally different medications.

I know in my not medically trained world I have often thought of the two medications as interchangeable. In some ways they could be. At least to the untrained eye, they both are advertised as pain relievers. Both of them come highly recommended by medical professionals, and a large portion of the time we are taking the wrong pill for a particular ailment we are seeking to gain relief.

What Are the Differences Between Acetaminophen and Ibuprofen?

Acetaminophen is processed in the body via the liver. Ibuprofen is processed primarily via the kidneys. Acetaminophen is an analgesic (pain reliever) and antipyretic (fever reducer). Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug. And unless you studied chemistry, a lot, that probably doesn't mean a lot to you, but we're getting closer to the information that regular folks, like you and me, can use.

The suggested reasons for taking acetaminophen are headaches, fever, general aches, sore throats, and fever. The suggested reasons one might choose ibuprofen are Menstrual cramps, muscle strains, arthritis, and toothaches.

We should note that ibuprofen aids in reducing inflammation, which is why it is often chosen to help reduce swelling and pain caused by swelling. Acetaminophen does not have those properties.

When Should You Take Advil and When Should You Take Tylenol?

What acetaminophen does do is elevate the brains abilility to process pain. In other words, this medication helps you to tolerate the discomfort better than attempting to navigate the pain without it. Acetaminophen is also easier on your stomach. So you don't add stomach pain to the reasons you need medical attention.

The ibuprofen works because it blocks inflammatory pathways in the body. This is why it is a popular choice for those who suffer chronic pain from ailments such as arthritis. It's also the choice of doctors for pulled and strained muscles and any time you physically overdo it.

Acetaminophen has a maximum 24-hour dose restriction of 4000mg. Ibuprofen has a 24-hour dose restriction of 2400mg. If you're wondering about Aleve, also known as naproxen, it is more similar to ibuprofen than it is to acetaminophen. It's a stronger nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug. Its "best uses" would be more similar to Advil/Ibuprofen than Tylenol/Acetaminophen.

Please consult your health care team or doctor before you start or stop any medication protocol. This narrative is provided as basic information and should not be considered professional medical advice.

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Gallery Credit: Kat Mykals