Most people believe that Advil, Tylenol and other over-the-counter analgesics are pretty much interchangeable for headaches, back pain or other complaints. This couldn't be far from the truth and a frequent habit of this could be quite dangerous. 

These medications are each at their best when taken for certain ailments. Advil and Tylenol work differently in the body and can have different side effects. Each have generic versions: Tylenol (generic version: acetaminophen) and Advil (active ingredient: ibuprofen).

Tylenol V. Advil: Which to use and when

• Headache:
  • Tylenol or acetaminophen
  • Comes with fewer side effects
• Inflamed elbow:
  • Advil or ibuprofen
• Fever:
  • Either medication will probably work, although some studies have found Advil to have a slight edge
• Sports injuries and muscle soreness: NSAIDs such as ibuprofen might work a bit better because of their anti-inflammatory properties
• Menstrual cramps: NSAIDS
• Back pain and osteoarthritis: Ibuprofen

The Role of NSAIDS

NSAIDs such as ibuprofen may work better for reducing inflammation 

What people should be aware of:

• Taking too much acetaminophen can damage the liver.
• Ibuprofen or NSAIDs can cause gastrointestinal problems such as upset stomach and internal bleeding.

Other types of NSAIDs: Motrin, aspirin and naproxen (which is in Aleve). The solution for people needing an analgesic often, such as children with high fever or adults with intense pain is alternating ibuprofen with acetaminophen can provide greater relief and minimize side effects.

How acetaminophen works in the body isn’t fully understood. Experts believe the drug works on the central nervous system, blocking pain receptors in the brain. In contrast, ibuprofen and other NSAIDs work in various parts of the body by inhibiting production of prostaglandins, chemicals released by injured cells that trigger inflammation and pain.

Studies suggest acetaminophen might be slightly less effective, but it’s important to look at safety and side effects of products. Because of possible side effects from ibuprofen and other NSAIDs, elderly people and those with chronic conditions might do better with acetaminophen.

Advil vs. Tylenol

TYLENOL

• Tylenol (acetaminophen) is a pain reliever and a fever reducer.
• Used to treat many conditions such as headache, muscle aches, arthritis, backache, toothaches, colds, and fevers

Tylenol Do's and Don't's

• Do not take more Tylenol than is recommended.
• An overdose of acetaminophen can damage your liver or cause death.
• Possible side effects: nausea, pain in your upper stomach, itching, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, or jaundice
• Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using any other cold, allergy, pain, or sleep medication.
• In rare cases, acetaminophen may cause a severe skin reaction. Stop taking this medicine and call your doctor right away if you have skin redness or a rash that spreads and causes blistering and peeling.

Before taking this medicine

• You should not take Tylenol if you are allergic to acetaminophen.
• Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to take Tylenol if you have:
  • liver disease
  • a history of alcoholism

Do not take this medication without a doctor's advice if you have ever had alcoholic liver disease (cirrhosis) or if you drink more than 3 alcoholic beverages per day. You may not be able to take Tylenol.

Advil Do's and Don't's

Advil (ibuprofen) is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It works by reducing hormones that cause inflammation and pain in the body and is used to reduce fever and treat pain or inflammation caused by many conditions such as headache, toothache, back pain, arthritis, menstrual cramps, or minor injury.

• Advil may cause life-threatening heart or circulation problems such as heart attack or stroke, especially if you use it long term.
• Do not use Advil just before or after heart bypass surgery (coronary artery bypass graft, or CABG).
• Get emergency medical help if you have chest pain, weakness, shortness of breath, slurred speech, or problems with vision or balance.
• Advil may also cause serious effects on the stomach or intestines, including bleeding or perforation (forming of a hole). These conditions can be fatal and can occur without warning while you are taking Advil, especially in older adults.
• Call your doctor at once if you have symptoms of stomach bleeding such as black, bloody, or tarry stools, or coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds.
• Do not take more of Advil than is recommended. An overdose of ibuprofen can cause damage to your stomach or intestines. Use only the smallest amount of Advil needed to get relief from your pain, swelling, or fever.
• Before taking this medicine
  • Do not use Advil just before or after heart bypass surgery (coronary artery bypass graft, or CABG).
  • Advil may cause life-threatening heart or circulation problems such as heart attack or stroke, especially if you use it long term.
  • This medicine may also cause serious effects on the stomach or intestines, including bleeding or perforation (forming of a hole). These conditions can be fatal and can occur without warning while you are taking Advil, especially in older adults.
• You should not use Advil if you are allergic to ibuprofen, aspirin or other NSAIDs.
• Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to take this medication if you have:
  • a history of heart attack, stroke, or blood clot
  • heart disease, congestive heart failure, high blood pressure
  • a history of stomach ulcers or bleeding
  • asthma
  • polyps in your nose
  • liver or kidney disease
  • systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
  • a bleeding or blood clotting disorder
  • if you smoke