In Tylenol, it's acetaminophen; in Advil and Motrin, it's ibuprofen; and in Aleve, it is naproxen. Shevaun Doyle , a pediatric orthopedic surgeon at HSS, provides some general information and guidelines about acetaminophen, ibuprofen and naproxen:. No matter which medication is used, Dr.
Doyle advises parents to pay careful attention to dosing. For the liquid form, parents should use the dropper or dosing cup that comes with the product. Here family medicine specialist Matthew Goldman, MD , discusses what you should know about which med makes the most sense for your aches and pains.
That makes it a smart pick for pain such as:. 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:. Both acetaminophen and ibuprofen carry a risk of side effects, so follow the dosage info on the labels.
Taking ibuprofen for a long time or at high doses can also increase the risk of more serious side effects, such as:. 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. Both drugs may be used in infants, children, and adults. Ibuprofen can be used in people who are 6 months or older. Infants and young children can be given liquid forms and suppositories.
Older children, who can chew and swallow more easily, may take the chewable or orally disintegrating tablets. Strength and dosage vary according to age, so always check the product instructions for exact amounts. Acetaminophen and ibuprofen are available in every pharmacy. GoodRx can give you an idea of specific prices in stores near you. The side effects of acetaminophen and ibuprofen may differ. This is because your body breaks them down differently.
For example, acetaminophen is broken down and removed by the liver. Acetaminophen has a warning about liver damage it can cause that can be fatal cause death. Liver damage can happen if you take too much in a hour period. For more information, read about the dangers of acetaminophen overdose. Ibuprofen, on the other hand, is removed from your body by your kidneys. Taking it for a long time can cause kidney damage and stomach bleeding. Because of these effects it is widely used for arthritis and menstrual pains.
Similar to acetaminophen, Ibuprofen can play a role in stomach upset, the most common side effect of both aspirin and ibuprofen. Because ibuprofen inhibits prostaglandins which exert a protective effect on the stomach lining, it increases the chances of stomach upset. When comparing pain relievers it is important to consider the advantages and disadvantages of each.
In general, anyone who should avoid aspirin for any reason should also avoid ibuprofen—and vice versa. Both drugs generally work the same way with similar side effects. Always read the dosage instruction on over-the-counter medications and consult your doctor if you have questions. If you need help finding a doctor, let us help you make an appointment.
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