Tylenol vs Advil
Tylenol (also known as Acetaminophen) and Advil (also known as ibuprofen) are high quality medicines that provide the basic relief from fever and pain. Both of these medicines are made of different chemical structures and have different side effects.
The indications for Advil are headaches, toothaches, menstrual pain, minor aches, arthritis pain, fever, muscles, joints and backaches. Adults and children who are older than 12 years should take 1 or 2 tablets every 4 hours as needed and should not exceed 6 tablets in 24 hours. Children age of 12 and younger should use children’s Advil.
Advil limits the production of fatty acid known as prostaglandins. It reduces body aches pains, inflammation or swelling and redness. Advil is slightly more powerful, stronger and long lasting than Tylenol.
If a toddler does not eat well and takes Advil, it can irritate the stomach. Therefore, Advil should be given with food to reduce any GI irritations and discomforts.
Like Advil, Tylenol also lowers fever and reduces aches and pains. However, Tylenol does not reduce inflammation. Tylenol works on nerve cells and not on cells that are inflamed. It has milder effect on the digestive tract than Advil and causes no stomach irritations. Therefore, there is no need to take it with food. However, the large doses of Tylenol are very toxic to the liver.
For Tylenol, adults (12 years or older) should take 1-2 tablets every 4 hours as needed. It is hazardous to exceed 8 tablets per day and if you feel nervous or cannot sleep, reduce the dosage. Tylenol is safer for use during pregnancy, but use only if clearly needed.
Chronic alcohol use can also increase the risk of stomach bleeding. If you get easy bruising or bleeding, persistent sore throat or other signs of infection you should contact your doctor. Upon Tylenol use, if you have any of the following symptoms of liver damage such as severe nausea, yellowing eyes or skin, dark urine, stomach pain, extreme fatigue OR serious allergic such as rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, and trouble breathing seek immediate medical attention.
The most common side effects when using Advil are: constipation; diarrhea; dizziness; gas; headache; heartburn; nausea; stomach pain or upset.
Seek medical attention if any of these severe side effects occur when using Advil:
Severe allergic reactions such as rash; hives; itching; trouble breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue. Other symptoms include bloody or black, tarry stools; change in the amount of urine produced; chest pain; confusion; dark urine; depression; fainting; fast or irregular heartbeat; fever, chills, or persistent sore throat; mental or mood changes; numbness of an arm or leg; one-sided weakness; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin; ringing in the ears; seizures; severe headache or dizziness; severe or persistent stomach pain or nausea; severe vomiting; stiff neck; sudden or unexplained weight gain; swelling of hands, or feet; unusual bruising or bleeding; vision or speech changes; and yellowing of the skin or eyes.
Advil should NOT be used if you have certain medical conditions such as severe kidney disease, allergies to aspirin or other NSAIDs such as naproxen, celecoxib. Before using Advil, ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any of these medical history such as , liver disease, poorly controlled diabetes, stomach problems, heart disease, high blood pressure, edema, dehydration, blood disorders (anemia), and asthma.
Caution is advised when using Advil in the elderly. Advil should be used only when clearly needed during the first 6 months of pregnancy. It is NOT recommended for use during the last 3 months of pregnancy, because of the potential for fetal harm and interference with normal delivery.
Both Tylenol and Advil passes into breast milk, however there have been no reports of harm to nursing infants, but consult the doctor before breast-feeding. Try to limit alcohol intake when you take both of these medications to reduce the side effects.
There are many brands and forms of Tylenol and Advil available on the market. Read the dosing instructions before the use. Always, store all medications out of the reach of your children to prevent any hazards.
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