January 5, 2021

Acetaminophen vs. Ibuprofen: Which Works Better?

Who reigns supreme in the battle of the painkillers?

ibuprofen or acetomenaphine

Over-the-counter painkillers have earned their spot in your medicine cabinet. You reach for them to lower a fever, banish a headache or ease those monthly cramps.

Advertisement

Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy

Both acetaminophen (such as Tylenol®) and ibuprofen (Advil® or Motrin®) are used to treat fevers and pain. But they’re not exactly interchangeable. Which should you choose? Here family medicine specialist Matthew Goldman, MD, discusses what you should know about which med makes the most sense for your aches and pains.

Ibuprofen basics

Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). As the name suggests, it tends to be most helpful for discomfort that goes hand in hand with inflammation, which can include redness, swelling, heat, pain and/or loss of function at the site or source. That makes it a smart pick for pain such as:

  • Back and neck pain.
  • Earache.
  • Menstrual cramps.
  • Muscle sprains and strains.
  • Sinus infections.
  • Toothache.

Acetaminophen basics

Acetaminophen is a type of drug called an analgesic. Translation: It reduces pain signals within the nervous system and not at the site itself. That makes it a good choice for pain such as:

  • Headaches.
  • Joint pain/arthritis.
  • Sore throat.

Pain medication side effects

Both acetaminophen and ibuprofen carry a risk of side effects, so follow the dosage info on the labels. Here’s what to look out for when you’re taking these painkillers.

Ibuprofen side effects

Common side effects of ibuprofen include:

  • Constipation.
  • Heartburn.
  • Nausea.
  • Stomach pain (so it’s important to take with food).

Taking ibuprofen for a long time or at high doses can also increase the risk of more serious side effects, such as:

Advertisement
  • Blood clots.
  • Heart attack.
  • Kidney damage.
  • Stomach bleeding (ulcers).
  • Stroke.

Acetaminophen side effects

Side effects of acetaminophen are minimal, but some people experience problems including:

  • Nausea.
  • Vomiting.
  • Headache.

Ibuprofen is metabolized by the kidneys and therefore is not a great option for those with kidney issues. Acetaminophen is metabolized by the liver and is not a great option for those with liver issues. For those who have neither kidney nor liver issues, sometimes we alternate acetaminophen and ibuprofen to avoid overdosing as well as attacking pain and inflammation from two different approaches.

Acetaminophen can also be hiding in several over-the-counter medicines, including cough and cold medications. If you’re taking more than one medication, read drug labels carefully so that you don’t go over the recommended dosage. For example, it may not be safe to take cold medicine and Tylenol at the same time.

Which painkiller should you pick?

So which pain med reigns supreme? While there’s no right answer, these pointers can help you decide.

Fever

Most research suggest acetaminophen and ibuprofen have similar results in controlling fevers, so pick what works for you.

Stomach trouble

If you have a sensitive stomach or find that ibuprofen causes heartburn or nausea, give acetaminophen a whirl.

Advertisement

Period pains

Ibuprofen reduces your body’s production of prostaglandins. These are the chemicals that trigger the uterus to contract and start periods each month. Ibuprofen can ease menstrual cramps and may also make menstrual bleeding lighter.

Other meds

Both ibuprofen and acetaminophen can interact negatively with some prescription and over-the-counter drugs. If you’re taking medication, talk to your provider doctor or pharmacist before reaching for the painkillers.

Persistent pain

If you’re taking painkillers over several days, consider alternating ibuprofen and acetaminophen to lower the risk of side effects.

Kids

Both ibuprofen and acetaminophen can control pain in kids. But ibuprofen tends to work better as a fever reducer. Be sure to follow the dosage guidelines on the label for your little one’s age and weight.

What’s the takeaway? When used responsibly, ibuprofen and acetaminophen are safe choices for turning down the dial on fever and pain. And isn’t it good to have options?

Learn more about our editorial process.

Related Articles

Hands holding two different kinds of pain medications separated by a white line.
February 23, 2023
Is It Safe To Take Acetaminophen With Ibuprofen?

You can alternate these OTCs to help with pain control and fever reduction

Close up of ibuprofen being punched from a blister pill pack.
October 20, 2022
Can Ibuprofen Delay or Halt Your Period?

Know the options — and potential risks

Leg bruise.
September 13, 2022
What To Do if Your Bruise Won’t Go Away

On average, bruises last one to three weeks, and bigger bruises last longer than smaller ones

Pregnant woman holding a glass of water in one hand and a pill in the other.
February 16, 2022
Pregnancy: Does Too Much Acetaminophen Heighten Risk for Autism or ADHD?

Limit how often you take the pain reliever during your pregnancy

A close up image of a person holding two, oval-shaped white pills
September 6, 2021
Is it Safe to Take Ibuprofen Every Day?

Don’t be so quick to pop that over-the-counter painkiller

Acetaminophen after a night of drinking
October 15, 2020
Is Acetaminophen Safe to Take When You’re Drinking?

What really happens when Tylenol and alcohol mix

anticoagulant pills
March 19, 2024
What To Avoid When Taking a Blood Thinner

Bleeding is a risk and warrants taking care, but the reward of this lifesaving medication is great

Applying aloe vera to irritated skin
February 27, 2024
Do Home Remedies for Ringworm Actually Work?

Some natural home remedies may offer relief, but they lack scientific evidence and won’t typically cure the condition

Trending Topics

Person in yellow tshirt and blue jeans relaxing on green couch in living room reading texts on their phone.
Here’s How Many Calories You Naturally Burn in a Day

Your metabolism may torch 1,300 to 2,000 calories daily with no activity

person getting a sinus massage between brows
5 Sinus Massage Techniques To Relieve Pressure and Promote Drainage

A gentle touch in all the right places may help drain your sinuses

woman snacking on raisins and nuts
52 Foods High In Iron

Pump up your iron intake with foods like tuna, tofu and turkey

Ad