Both Aleve® and TYLENOL® temporarily reduce fever and relieve minor aches and pains. TYLENOL®, which contains acetaminophen, may be a more appropriate option than Aleve®, which contains naproxen sodium an NSAID, for those with heart or kidney disease, high blood pressure, or stomach problems. Although NSAIDs share some similarities, they have different levels of risk. For example, naproxen sodium irritates the stomach less than aspirin. 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.
Compare Aleve® vs. TYLENOL® in the chart below to help you decide if TYLENOL® or Aleve® is the right pain reliever for you.
 Aleve® 1 |
||
|---|---|---|
| Characteristics | ||
| Forms | Rapid Release Gels, Coated Tablets, Caplets | Liquidgels, Tablets, Caplets, Gelcaps |
| Active Ingredient | Acetaminophen | Naproxen Sodium |
| Dosing | 2 pills every 6hrs while symptoms last; do not take more than 6 pills in 24 hours | 1 pill every 8-12 hrs while symptoms last; for the first dose, you may take 2 pills within the first hr; do not exceed 2 pills in any 8- to 12-hour period; do not exceed 3 pills in a 24-hour period |
| Is an NSAID |
No |
Yes |
| From the #1 Doctor-recommended Brand of Pain Reliever |
Yes |
No |
| Relieves Fever |
Yes |
Yes |
| Relieves Minor Back Pain/ Backache |
Yes |
Yes |
| Relieves Minor Headache |
Yes |
Yes |
| Relieves Minor Muscle Pain/ Muscle Aches |
Yes |
Yes |
| Relieves Minor Premenstrual and Menstrual Pain |
Yes |
Yes |
| Relieves Minor Toothache |
Yes |
Yes |
| Relieves Minor Arthritis Pain/ Joint Pain |
Yes |
Yes |
| Provides Fast Pain Relief |
Yes |
Yes |
| Works Centrally to Relieve Your Pain |
Yes |
Yes |
| May decrease the benefit of Aspirin Heart Therapy |
No |
Yes |
| May be more appropriate for those with High Blood Pressure, Kidney Disease, Stomach Problems, or Heart Disease |
Yes |
No |
| Increases your risk of heart attack, heart failure, and stroke |
No |
Yes |
| May cause severe stomach bleeding |
No |
Yes |
| Contains Liver Warning |
Yes 2 |
Yes 3 |
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