Difference Between Ibuprofen and Tylenol

Ibuprofen vs Tylenol

Every now and then, people suffering from pain seek means to relieve it in a number of ways. One of the alternatives to alleviate pain is to make use of pain medications or what are commonly called “pain killers.” Over time of countless use, this line of drugs has proven favourable in bringing necessary relief from different kinds of pain like backaches, post-operative pain, migraines, etc. Two of the most widely used drugs are Ibuprofen and Tylenol. Oftentimes, consumers tend to classify these two drugs into one group because of their obvious similarities in acting as both analgesics and antipyretics. However, an in-depth drug study shows there are quite a number of differences between Ibuprofen and Tylenol in fairly dissimilar aspects.

One of the apparent differences between Tylenol and Ibuprofen is found in their names. Ibuprofen is a generic name for an analgesic, antipyretic, and NSAID (nonsteriodal anti-inflammatory drug). On the other hand, Tylenol is a brand name of acetaminophen, a generic name for a kind of analgesic and antipyretic. Both Ibuprofen and Tylenol are classified as analgesics, the ability to ease pain and body aches, and an antipyretic, the ability to reduce fever. However, in any circumstances, Tylenol has no ability to decrease inflammation unlike Ibuprofen. Furthermore, Ibuprofen is considerably more potent than Tylenol in decreasing pain and reducing inflammation. Ibuprofen is also longer lasting in its effects than Tylenol which is why it is frequently used for an extensive term of medication regimen.

Studies show that in terms of its antipyretic effect, Ibuprofen is more enhanced than Tylenol. At a temperature rate of 38◦C and above, a range indicative of fever, Ibuprofen acts better and quicker in decreasing the core body’s temperature. Tylenol can also work in reducing the fever but in a much slower pace. In cases of fever, especially for pediatric cases, Ibuprofen is a preferred choice of remedy.

In terms of their side effects, several distinctions are observed during the course of treatment. Commonly, both drugs cause gastrointestinal problems like nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. However, Ibuprofen causes more side effects than Tylenol does. Ibuprofen must be taken with food or after meals to decrease gastric lining irritation. In contrast, Tylenol is milder and safer to be taken even without a meal. In which case, Tylenol is more advised for those suffering a poor appetite, most especially a picky eater like a child.

Consequently, despite its fewer gastrointestinal side effects, Tylenol apparently causes the greater impact on toxicity. Tylenol has been known to be toxic to the liver. It is because this drug is being broken down by the liver unlike NSAIDS, which are excreted by the kidneys. Physicians oftentimes suggest giving a patient the least dose as possible to avoid toxicity. In terms of dosage, for example for a child, each dosage ranges from 4 to 6 hours and not exceeding up to 5 times in a period of 24 hours. Since Ibuprofen is longer lasting, it has a dosage that ranges every 6 to 8 hours and not exceeding up to 3 times in a period of 24 hours.

Regardless of the type of medication, as a general rule, a responsible consumer must always take into consideration the recommended dose. Too much is harmful. Determining the differences in any aspect of Ibuprofen and Tylenol can help the consumers meet their appropriate health care needs.

Summary:

1.Ibuprofen is a generic name for an analgesic, antipyretic, and NSAID (nonsteriodal anti-inflammatory drug). On the other hand, Tylenol is a brand name of acetaminophen, a generic name for a kind of analgesic and antipyretic.

2.Tylenol has no ability to decrease inflammation in any circumstances unlike Ibuprofen.

3.Ibuprofen is considerably more potent than Tylenol in decreasing pain and reducing inflammation.

4.Ibuprofen is also longer lasting in its effects than Tylenol. That is why it is frequently used for an extensive term of medication regimen.

5.At a temperature rate of 38◦C and above, a range indicative of fever, Ibuprofen acts better and quicker in decreasing the core body’s temperature.

6.Ibuprofen causes more side effects than Tylenol does. Ibuprofen must be taken with food or after meals to decrease gastric lining irritation. In contrast, Tylenol is milder and safer to be taken even without a meal.

7.Tylenol, apparently, causes the greater impact on toxicity. Tylenol has been known to be toxic to the liver.

8.In terms of the dosage, for example for a child, the each dosage ranges from 4 to 6 hours and not exceeding up to 5 times in a period of 24 hours. Since Ibuprofen is longer lasting, it has a dosage that ranges every 6 to 8 hours and not exceeding up to 3 times in a period of 24 hours.

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