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.
 <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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