Compare over the counter oral pain relievers including Acetaminophen, NSAIDs, and topical pain relief options to determine what product(s) may be right for you. Oral analgesics work throughout your body and topical analgesics are limited to places that are amenable (i.e. joints) for topical treatment at the site of pain. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions and please note that the information below is not a substitute for the specific product's Drug Facts Label. Please always read and follow the label.
Although NSAIDs share some similarities, they have different levels of risk. For example, ibuprofen irritates the stomach less than aspirin. Ask your healthcare professional if you have questions.
 Advil® Dual Action 1 |
 Voltaren® 1 |
||
|---|---|---|---|
| Characteristics | |||
| Forms | Rapid Release Gels, Coated Tablets, Caplets | Caplet | Topical Gel |
| Active Ingredient | Acetaminophen | Acetaminophen/Ibuprofen | Diclofenac |
| Dosing | 2 pills every 6hrs while symptoms last; do not take more than 6 pills in 24 hours | 2 pills every 8hrs while symptoms persist; do not take more than 6 pills in 24 hours | Apply 4 times a day; Upper Body Dose- max 2 grams; Lower Body Dose- max 4 grams; do not use on more than 2 body areas at the same time; may take up to 7 days to work |
| Contains an NSAID |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
| From the #1 Doctor-recommended Brand of Pain Reliever |
Yes |
No |
No |
| Relieves Fever |
Yes |
No |
No |
| Relieves Minor Back Pain/ Backache |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
| Relieves Minor Headache |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
| Relieves Minor Muscle Pain/ Muscle Aches |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
| Relieves Minor Premenstrual and Menstrual Pain |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
| Relieves Minor Toothache |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
| Relieves Minor Arthritis Pain/ Joint Pain |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
| Relieves Arthritis Pain/ Joint Pain |
No |
No |
Yes |
| Provides Fast Pain Relief |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
| Provides Targeted Pain Relief |
No |
No |
Yes 2 |
| Works Centrally to Relieve Your Pain |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
| May decrease the benefit of Aspirin Heart Therapy |
No |
Yes |
No |
| May be more appropriate for those with High Blood Pressure, Kidney Disease, Stomach Problems, or Heart Disease |
Yes |
No |
No |
| Increases your risk of heart attack, heart failure, and stroke |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
| May cause severe stomach bleeding |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
| Contains Liver Warning |
Yes 3 |
Yes 4 |
Yes 5 |
Why choose TYLENOL®?
TYLENOL® is the #1 doctor recommended pain reliever and can be a more appropriate option for those with heart or kidney disease, high blood pressure, or stomach problems. TYLENOL® temporarily reduces fever and relieves minor aches and pains due to:
- the common cold
- headache
- backache
- minor pain of arthritis
- toothache
- muscular aches
- premenstrual and menstrual cramps
Find a pain reliever that may be right for you
Select an option below to see one-to-one pain relievers comparison charts and understand the differences between pain reliever brands to determine which pain reliever might be right for you.
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