TYLENOL® vs. Other Pain Relievers

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.

Adult TYLENOL Extra Strength product package
Advil® Dual Action medicine
Voltaren Arthritis pain gel
<p class="mb-1">TYLENOL®</p><span class="h4">Extra Strength Caplets</span>
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<p class="mb-1">Advil®</p><span class="h4">Dual Action</span> 1
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<p class="mb-1">Voltaren®</p><span class="h4">Arthritis Pain</span> 1
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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

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
1
Third-party trademarks used herein are trademarks of their respective owners.
2
For the temporary relief of arthritis pain only in the following areas: hand, wrist, elbow (upper body areas) or foot, ankle, knee (lower body areas).Do not use on more than 2 body areas at the same time ;not for use on any other body part, such as: in back, hip, or shoulder.
3
Ask a doctor before use if you have liver disease. Severe liver damage may occur if you take more than 4,000 mg of acetaminophen in 24 hours, with other drugs containing acetaminophen, 3 or more alcoholic drinks every day while using this product.
4
Ask a doctor before use if you have liver disease or liver cirrhosis. Severe liver damage may occur if you take more than 6 caplets in 24 hours, with other drugs containing acetaminophen, or 3 or more alcoholic drinks every day while using this product.
5
Ask a doctor before use if you have liver cirrhosis. Liver damage may occur if you apply more or for longer than directed or when using with products containing diclofenac.

Why Choose Tylenol?

TYLENOL® is the #1 doctor recommended pain reliever. 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

Use products only as directed

Pain Relief You Can Count On

See why the #1 doctor recommended brand of pain reliever may be right for your little ones.

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