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Certain over the counter medications are often used interchangeably with the assumption that the desired outcomes will be the same. However, far from it, medications have intended roles and outcomes with separate mechanisms of action. The mere overlap of certain outcomes does not necessarily mean two medications are the same. A typical example of such confusion is the debate about tylenol vs ibuprofen, with many users assuming that the medications are intended to deliver the same results. Here is a look at the similarities and differences of both the drugs and the impact of the medication if it is not properly used.

Tylenol overview to understand the tylenol vs ibuprofen differences

To understand the tylenol vs ibuprofen differences, it is essential to look at each medication separately. Popularly known as Tylenol, Acetaminophen is an analgesic and antipyretic used for the purpose of treating pain and fever. The medication is effective when used for treating pain that is mild or moderate in nature. The medication is available over the counter and comes in various strengths to meet different uses. It is available as tablets, injections, syrup, suppository and also as effervescent tablets. Recommended by the WHO for use in treating pain and fever, it is in use for almost seven decades.

The medication is an active ingredient in a large number of medications that are primarily meant for treating allergies, pain, colds and to manage sleep related conditions. One of the reason for wrong use of Tylenol is the large number of formulations and combinations available. Consequently, individuals end up using it for the wrong reasons and this results in adverse side effects that includes damage to the liver and in extremely rare cases, could also be fatal.

Ibuprofen overview to understand the tylenol vs ibuprofen differences

As mentioned above, the tylenol vs ibuprofen differences can only be best understood when there is a clear understanding of each medication. A non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, Ibuprofen is used for treating pain and fever and for managing conditions where inflammation is a symptom. Available as over the counter medication and also as prescription strength formulations, Ibuprofen is also used for treating chronic conditions including osteoarthritis. A derivative of propionic acid, Ibuprofen has been in use for around six decades and was considered to be a better option than aspirin.

Ibuprofen is relatively popular and is used for treating various other conditions that include menstrual cramps and minor injuries. Due to its popularity and effectiveness, it is often used excessively which can result in side effects as a result of long term use. The medication is not to be used by individuals immediately after heart surgeries.

What is the primary identifiable tylenol vs ibuprofen differences?

The primary identifiable tylenol vs ibuprofen difference as far as the outcomes are concerned are the effects of the medication on inflammation. Iburpofen is more effective when compared with Tylenol when it comes to treating inflammation and chronic pain. Tylenol is more suitable for treating pain and fever when the conditions are mild in nature. Ibuprofen is typically recommended for use in treating rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, whereas Tylenol is not prescribed for treating the conditions. However, by virtue of overlapping effects, individuals are known to use Tylenol for the above conditions as an off label option.

What are the differences in terms of effects of the medication on the stomach?

The tylenol vs ibuprofen differences are stark and distinct when it comes to the side effects of each medication on the stomach. For instance, Tylenol does not have any impact on the stomach and will not cause pain or discomfort as a result of its use. However, in the case of Ibuprofen, there is the possibility of the medication causing stomach pain and some kind of damage to the intestines. This is highly likely when there is an overdose of the medication, and this is precisely why it is always recommended to take the least possible or necessary dose of the medication for treating pain or other conditions.

Mechanism of action of Tylenol

To understand tylenol vs ibuprofen differences better, it is necessary to look at the mechanism of action of each medication. Tylenol or acetaminophen works by inhibiting the COX pathways. While there is not much information on the actual mechanism of action, by virtue of belonging to the category of analgesics and antipyretics, Tylenol is thought to exercise the same effect on cyclooxygenase pathways. This is known to have desired effects on pain management. By inhibiting COX-1 and COX-2, Tylenol helps reduce the synthesis of prostaglandins that are known as pain mediators. As the medication is not known to have any effects on the peripheral tissues, it does not have peripheral anti-inflammatory properties. The medication blocks COX indirectly, unlike other medications such as aspirin that are known to block COX directly.

Similarly, the antipyretic properties of the medication are attributed to its effects of regulating the heat-modulation areas in the brain. As a consequence of this, the medication brings about vasodilation, and reduction of body heat, along with increased sweating.

Mechanism of action of Ibuprofen

As mentioned above, to understand tylenol vs ibuprofen differences, it is essential to look at the mechanism of Ibuprofen separately. While the actual mechanism of action of Ibuprofen is not known, the effects of the medication are assumed on the basis of its category as a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug. The medication is known to non-selectively inhibit COX, and thereby reduce the amount of prostaglandins. These enzymes are responsible for mediating pain and fever through the arachidonic acid pathway. By virtue of being a non-selective inhibitor, the medication has an impact on both COX-1 and COX-2, and as a result the effects are experienced in controlling pain, fever and inflammation. The effects of the medication on COX-1 is believed to have an impact on the ulceration of the gastro-intestinal tract and pain in the stomach. The medication works in different pathways and as a result there is considerable effects in inflammation that is both chronic and acute. Primarily, Ibuprofen helps deliver pain relief and reduction of inflammation as a result of the reduced synthesis of prostanoids. The effects of the medication on fever is believed to be linked to the reduced synthesis of prostanoids that are responsible for pyresis.

Differences of both medications on pregnant women?

A closer look at tylenol vs ibuprofen differences shows the different effects of both medications on pregnant women. Ibuprofen is not safe for use by pregnant women due to the mechanism of action and the effects of the medication on the stomach and the intestinal tract. Tylenol is relatively safe and can be used by pregnant women to treat mild to moderate conditions without the risk of causing adverse side effects. However, it is advisable to seek medical opinion before taking either of the medications as there could be other considerations that are best evaluated by a medical specialist. The safety of Tylenol is relative to the safety of Ibuprofen and should not be the deciding factor.

What are the effects of both medications on the liver?

Among other distinct tylenol vs ibuprofen differences, the effect of the medication on the liver is of great importance. Damage to the liver is associated with excessive use of acetaminophen and this is precisely why it is always necessary to keep the dosage as minimal as necessary and avoid the urge to take higher dosages in an attempt to enjoy faster relief. OTC formulations are often abused as individuals wrongly assume the medications to be safe. There is a clear distinction here that needs to be understood. OTC formulations can be procured without a prescription and are typically used for managing conditions that are mild or moderate in nature. However, this does not grant license to eh individual to use the medication in excess as overdose can result in serious consequences and in some instanced medications can result in fatalities.

Safety aspect of both medications when taken with alcohol

Neither of the two medications are safe for consumption with alcohol. Among the tylenol vs ibuprofen differences, the effects of the medication on the stomach differ. However, the effects of the medication when taken alongwith alcohol are broadly the same. There is a clear risk of possible damage to the liver, and bleeding when either of the medications are taken alongwith alcohol. The outbreak of ulcers are another distinct possibility when the medications are consumed with alcohol. As Tylenol is metabolized in the liver, the chances of it causing damage is higher when compared with Ibuprofen, and this also extends to the possible damage to the liver when consumed with alcohol.

Individuals are advised to choose either of the medications as per recommended uses only. Most importantly, it is necessary to take the medications as per ideal dosage. Despite the better tolerability of medications, caution needs to be exercised when it comes to dosage. Individuals with heart problems are advised to seek medical advice before freely choosing over the counter medications for treating common conditions.