Which is better advil or motrin

Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. 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. 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:. While these over-the-counter drugs provide similar results, they are not the same.

Ibuprofen and naproxen can do both those things, but they are anti-inflammatory drugs designed to reduce inflammation and swelling. The lines are blurred. Acetaminophen, ibuprofen and naproxen have different chemical makeups, but the choice between them is not always clear. Depending on your condition, one is typically better suited than the other. When in doubt, use this guide to help you figure out which medicine to take.

Naproxen and ibuprofen also have their differences. Naproxen provides long-acting relief, so doses are taken just twice a day. Ibuprofen is a short-acting anti-inflammatory that can be taken every six to eight hours — the same dosing schedule as acetaminophen. Make an Appointment. Although acetaminophen, ibuprofen and naproxen are all over-the-counter medications, they are not entirely risk-free.

Every medication can present a problem or two. Ibuprofen and naproxen can both cause an upset stomach, kidney damage, high blood pressure and inflammation or bleeding in the stomach. Sutton says. Always check the labels for a list of all potential side effects. And be wary of signs of allergic reactions to a drug — which you may not find on a warning label.

If you experience any of these signs after taking acetaminophen, ibuprofen or naproxen, you should get medical help right away :. Acetaminophen is the safest of the three drugs. But in rare cases, especially in people who drink alcohol routinely , too much acetaminophen can lead to liver damage. MercyCare can help. Acetaminophen is often known as Tylenol or other brand names.

It is classified as a pain reliever analgesic and fever reducer antipyretic. Ibuprofen is often known by its given name, but you may also know it as Advil or Motrin. Other members of this drug class include aspirin and naproxen Aleve. As you may have guessed from the descriptions above, acetaminophen is best used for fever, aches and pains, but will not be very helpful if the pain is due to inflammation.

Ibuprofen is more helpful for these symptoms when inflammation is the cause. Never take more than one type of anti-inflammatory in the same day. However, Tylenol is different. Tylenol is not an anti-inflammatory, so you can take Tylenol in addition to Advil or other anti-inflammatory medications. You should avoid Advil and other anti-inflammatory medications if you have kidney problems, bleeding from your stomach or bowels, or if you are taking certain blood pressure medications.