What is the Difference Between Tylenol & Advil?
Medical science has produced a number of medicines to relieve pain. Two of the most recognizable name brands are Tylenol and Advil, seemingly similar drugs with very big differences.
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Advil
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Advil is a popular brand name of ibuprofen, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Ibuprofen is often used for arthritis, back pain or other inflammation-related pain, and is considered to be easier on the stomach than its harsher relative, aspirin.
Side Effects of Advil
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While not as harsh as aspirin, Advil can irritate the esophagus and the stomach lining, and has been reported to occasionally produce upset stomach, nausea, vomiting, heartburn, headache, diarrhea, constipation, drowsiness and dizziness.
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Tylenol
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Tylenol, a popular brand of acetaminophen, is not an NSAID, and works by elevating the body's overall threshold for pain. It also reduces fever by helping the body eliminate excess heat.
Considerations About Tylenol
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Tylenol is much milder on the upper digestive tract than aspirin and its relatives and is not an anti-coagulant. However, Tylenol's usual dosage for pain relief is close to its overdose amount, and taking more than 4 g per day could result in liver damage.
The Difference
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Advil's anti-inflammatory relief makes it a good choice for sprains and arthritis. Tylenol's mildness means it's less likely to upset the stomachs of those with problems like acid reflux disease.
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