Tylenol (acetaminophen) and ibuprofen are two of the most common over-the-counter (OTC) medications used to provide relief from pain and fever. They both have different active ingredients and mechanisms of action, so they provide different effects. Tylenol is an analgesic and antipyretic medication that works by reducing the production of prostaglandins, which are responsible for pain and fever. Ibuprofen is an anti-inflammatory drug that works by blocking the production of enzymes that produce substances that cause inflammation.
The main difference between the two medications is the type of pain and fever they can treat. Tylenol is effective for treating mild to moderate pain, such as headaches, muscle aches, and toothaches. It is also effective in reducing fever. Ibuprofen, on the other hand, is more effective in treating inflammation and pain associated with arthritis, menstrual cramps, and other inflammatory conditions. Ibuprofen is also more effective in reducing fever than Tylenol.
