We all took it tylenol (acetaminophen) at some point for pain relief. Taking Tylenol can provide amazing relief for minor aches and pains, from headaches that won’t go away to persistent muscle spasms. It also helps relieve the heat that keeps you glued to your bed.
Like any OTC pain medication, Tylenol covers almost all the bells and whistles. But how does it compare to other common painkillers like ibuprofen and naproxen? Here are the main differences you need to know.
Is Tylenol an NSAID?
No, unlike other common pain medications (such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen), Tylenol is not an NSAID (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug). It states that it falls under the umbrella of two other drug classes: analgesics (painkillers) and antipyretics (antipyretics). Dr. Anuret WaliaMD, pain management specialist.
Tylenol can be used to treat several different conditions, including mild to moderate pain, fever, headache, muscle pain, toothache, back pain, and the common cold. Discomfort from vaccinessays Walia.
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Both Tylenol and NSAIDs reduce pain perception and fever, but there is one important difference between these drugs. Obviously, Tylenol doesn’t have anti-inflammatory properties, so it won’t help with swelling or inflammation, says David Mangan, chief pharmaceutical officer at Massachusetts Memorial Medical Center.
The recommended dose of Tylenol for adults is 325 to 650 milligrams every 4 to 6 hours. Dr. Walia recommends that you shouldn’t take more than 3,000 to 4,000 milligrams of Tylenol in a 24-hour period. For children, Mangan says it’s important to follow the directions on the drug’s package because dosages vary depending on age and size.
What should not be mixed with Tylenol?
Many over-the-counter medications to treat cough and cold symptoms already contain Tylenol and NSAIDs, Mangan said. If you plan to take Tylenol or an NSAID in combination with cold or cough medicine, always check with your health care provider or pharmacist first to make sure you are not exceeding the maximum hourly or daily dose. Please, he says.
If you have an underlying liver disorder, talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist before taking Tylenol. It should be consumed in moderation or avoided completely, Mangan adds.
You should also avoid Tylenol if you drink alcohol, Walia says, because of the risk of liver damage.
Why do doctors recommend Tylenol over ibuprofen?
“For patients who need pain relief but cannot tolerate NSAIDs due to stomach issues, bleeding risk, or cardiovascular issues, doctors may recommend Tylenol over ibuprofen,” Walia says. say. “Tylenol is generally gentle on the stomach and carries no risk of gastrointestinal bleeding or heart disease,” she explains. Work closely with your health care provider or pharmacist to determine which type of pain reliever is best for your health needs.
more:How often to take ibuprofen: Here’s how much Advil you can (and should) take in a day.
Regardless of the type of pain medication, it’s important to remember that Tylenol and NSAIDs should only be taken for temporary pain. “If your pain is constant, you should discuss the cause of your pain with your doctor. [and] How to best manage it,” Mangan recommends.
