Aspirin Vs. Tylenol Vs. Advil
Aspirin, Tylenol and Advil are drugs commonly used as painkillers and fever-reducers. While all three drugs are used to treat pain, they each fall into different drug categories and are utilized best when taken to treat the specific ailments they were made to eliminate.
-
Similarities
-
In addition to being used to treat pain and fever, Advil and aspirin can be used to treat inflammation in the body. Although they are both over-the-counter drugs that can be found in drugstores, they are also commonly prescribed by doctors.
Differences
-
Advil and Tylenol are brand names for two different types of drugs. Tylenol is made of a drug called acetaminophen. Advil is made of ibuprofen and falls into a category of drugs called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs.
Aspirin is a part of a group of drugs known as salicylates. In addition to treating pain, fever and general inflammation, it is also commonly prescribed by doctors as a daily medicine to prevent heart attacks and strokes.
-
Treatments
-
All minor aches and pains can be treated relatively well with each of the aforementioned drugs. Because of its anti-inflammatory nature, individuals with minor injuries that cause swelling and menstrual cramps may want to try Advil, as it is most commonly prescribed for those ailments.
Dosage
-
Aspirin, Tylenol and Advil should all be taken as directed on the label. No matter what drug is ingested, take the smallest amount of the drug needed to achieve relief from an ailment. Do not take more than 800 mg of Advil per dose or more than 3200 mg in the course of one day. Tylenol users should not exceed more than 1000 mg per dose or 4000 mg per day.
Warning
-
All drugs have potential side effects. Common and less serious side effects for Advil, Tylenol and aspirin include upset stomach, heartburn, drowsiness and headaches. Additional side-effects for Advil include rash and skin itching, blurred vision and ringing in the ears.
More serious side effects of these drugs for which medical attention should be sought include jaundice, coughing up blood, black or bloody stool and severe nausea or stomach pain. If the user has never taken any of these medications, watch for signs of an allergic reaction. If after two to three days of treatment the drug taker's condition does not get better or worsens, consult a physician.
-
