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 generally 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.
TYLENOL® (Acetaminophen) is a popular choice for reducing fever and relieving mild to moderate pain, making it a potentially safer option for those with sensitive stomachs or certain health conditions. Although NSAIDs share some similarities, they may have different levels of risk. For example, ibuprofen generally irritates the stomach less than aspirin. Ask your healthcare professional if you have questions.
Compare TYLENOL® Products vs Advil, Aleve, Excedrin & Other Popular OTC Pain Medications
 |  | |
|---|---|---|
Forms | ||
Rapid Release Gels, Coated Tablets, Caplets | Liquidgels, Mini-gels, Tablets | |
Active Ingredient | ||
Acetaminophen | Ibuprofen | |
Dosing | ||
2 pills every 8hrs while symptoms persist; do not take more than 6 pills in 24 hours | 1 pill every 4 to 6 hrs while symptoms persist; if pain or fever does not respond to 1 pill, 2 pills may be used; do not exceed 6 pills in 24 hours | |
Contains an NSAID | ||
From the #1 Doctor-recommended Brand of Pain Reliever | ||
Relieves Fever | ||
Relieves Minor Back Pain/ Backache | ||
Relieves Minor Headache | ||
Relieves Minor Muscle Pain/ Muscle Aches | ||
Relieves Minor Premenstrual and Menstrual Pain | ||
Relieves Minor Toothache | ||
Relieves Minor Arthritis Pain/ Joint Pain | ||
Relieves Arthritis Pain/ Joint Pain | ||
Provides Fast Pain Relief | ||
Provides Targeted Pain Relief | ||
Works Centrally to Relieve Your Pain | ||
May decrease the benefit of Aspirin Heart Therapy | ||
Increases your risk of heart attack, heart failure, and stroke | ||
May cause severe stomach bleeding | ||
Contains Liver Warning | ||
3 | 6 | |
Why Choose Tylenol Instead of Other Over the Counter Pain Relivers?
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
1Third-party trademarks used herein are trademarks of their respective owners.
2For 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.
3Ask 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.
4Ask 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.
5Ask 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.
6Ask a doctor before use if you have liver cirrhosis.