Comparing Advil (Ibuprofen) vs. Tylenol (Acetaminophen)

By Phuoc Anh (Anne) Nguyen, PharmD, MS, BCPS
Published on May 15, 2023
 Medically reviewed by Erika Prouty, PharmD

  • Both Advil (ibuprofen) and Tylenol (acetaminophen) are over-the-counter (OTC) medications that can help reduce pain and lower fever. However, they differ in how they work and how they affect the body.

Advil blocks a substance called prostaglandin. Prostaglandin production is a natural substance that contributes to inflammation, which worsens swelling and pain.1 The way Tylenol functions is not well known, but it is thought to work in the brain to reduce pain. It also controls temperature by cooling the body to lower a fever.2

Advil, which belongs to a medication class known as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), can also reduce swelling, whereas Tylenol cannot.

Determining which medication you should use will depend on your individual needs and any underlying health problems.

This article will cover the similarities and differences between Advil and Tylenol and how to decide which is right for you.

Continue Reading: https://www.verywellhealth.com/advil-ibuprofen-vs-tylenol-acetaminophen-7487123?hid=0ca66fe91ff78d6c7007974a6522806eea6acf6b&did=11014583-20231116&utm_source=verywellhealth&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=verywell-health-today_newsletter&utm_content=111623&lctg=0ca66fe91ff78d6c7007974a6522806eea6acf6b

Article submitted to MSRN by Pat France, MSRN Member