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TYLENOL® vs MOTRIN®

Both MOTRIN® and TYLENOL® temporarily reduce fever and relieve minor aches and pains but by using different active ingredients. TYLENOL®, which contains acetaminophen, can be a more appropriate option than MOTRIN®, which contains ibuprofen an NSAID. Although NSAIDs share some similarities, they have different levels of risk. For example, ibuprofen 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.

Explore our easy-to-read chart below to compare MOTRIN® vs. TYLENOL® to help you decide if TYLENOL® or MOTRIN® is the right pain reliever for you.

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Adult TYLENOL Extra Strength product package
<p class="mb-1">TYLENOL®</p><span class="h4">Extra Strength Caplets</span>
MOTRIN®
Characteristics
Forms Rapid Release Gels, Coated Tablets, Caplets Liquidgels, Caplets
Active Ingredient Acetaminophen Ibuprofen
Dosing 2 pills every 6hrs while symptoms last; 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
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
Increases your risk of heart attack, heart failure, and stroke
No
Yes
May cause severe stomach bleeding
No
Yes
Contains Liver Warning
Yes
1
Yes
2
1
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.
2
Ask a doctor before use if you have liver cirrhosis.
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