Should i take motrin or tylenol

Ibuprofen may cause side effects such as ringing in the ears, dizziness, drowsiness, abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation or heartburn.

NSAIDs also reduce the ability of blood to clot, therefore increasing possible bleeding after an injury. Recommended Dosages Acetaminophen Ibuprofen Adults: to mg every 4 hours, or mg every 8 hours if using immediate release formula. For extended release caplets, mg every 8 hours. Adults: For mild to moderate pain, mg every hours. Maximum daily dose is 1. If a physician is supervising, they may allow up to 3. Both ibuprofen and acetaminophen can control pain in kids.

But ibuprofen tends to work better as a fever reducer. When used responsibly, ibuprofen and acetaminophen are safe choices for turning down the dial on fever and pain. Trying to decide between ibuprofen and acetaminophen?

An experts explains when you should take which medication and why. Learn more about vaccine availability. Advertising Policy. You have successfully subscribed to our newsletter. Related Articles. How to Treat a Scorpion Sting at Home. Federal officials have set up locations across the country on National Prescription Drug Take Back Day for people go properly dispose of their old….

Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Ibuprofen vs. Acetaminophen: How Are They Different? Drug features Brands Ages Cost and availability Side effects Drug interactions Warnings Takeaway Introduction Acetaminophen and ibuprofen are medications used to treat pain and fever. Acetaminophen vs.

Brand-name versions. In children. Cost and availability. Side effects. Drug interactions. Use with certain medical conditions. Talk with your doctor. Read this next. Medically reviewed by Lindsay Slowiczek, PharmD. Ibuprofen can be used to treat general acute pain and fever.

It is also labeled to treat pain and inflammation from arthritis , migraines , and dysmenorrhea. Research has also shown that acetaminophen and ibuprofen can be used to treat patent ductus arteriosus in preterm infants.

The ductus arteriosus is a major blood vessel in the infant heart that normally closes after birth. However, in some babies, this blood vessel remains open and can cause heart complications. Acetaminophen and ibuprofen may have differences in effectiveness when treating fever and different types of pain. They are both usually taken multiple times throughout the day for maximum symptom relief.

In one review , ibuprofen was found to be similar or better than acetaminophen for treating pain and fever in adults and children. Both drugs were also found to be equally safe.

This review included 85 different studies in adults and children. When it comes to chronic pain conditions, ibuprofen has been shown to be more effective. In one study , ibuprofen was found to be more effective than acetaminophen for treating pain from recurring migraines and osteoarthritis. Another study concluded similar results and found that paracetamol another name for acetaminophen had better pain relief and tolerability than acetaminophen for osteoarthritis.

Because both drugs work in different ways, one may be preferred over the other for different conditions. It is best to seek medical advice from a healthcare professional if you experience pain or fever.

Sign up for acetaminophen price alerts and find out when the price changes! Acetaminophen can be purchased over the counter and is available in generic and branded forms. Medicare and most insurance plans may not cover acetaminophen because of its widespread availability without a prescription.

Get the SingleCare prescription discount card. In general, Medicare and most insurance plans will cover ibuprofen. Ibuprofen is available as a generic or brand-name drug. This cost can be reduced by using a SingleCare coupon. The most common effects experienced with acetaminophen and ibuprofen include gastrointestinal GI side effects.

These side effects include nausea, vomiting, constipation, and diarrhea. Ibuprofen is more likely to cause heartburn and indigestion compared to acetaminophen. Other rare side effects of both drugs can include bleeding, fever, and sore throat. Allergic reactions to drug ingredients can include rash, shortness of breath, and chest tightness. Seek medical attention if you experience these effects.