Clash of the Titans: Tylenol* vs Advil*

In the epic battle of pain relievers, which should you take? Tylenol*( in this case meaning any brand of acetaminophen)? or Advil* (meaning any brand of Ibuprofen)?

The answer is BOTH, or at least, “it depends”.

Acetaminophen (common brand name Tylenol) and ibuprofen (common brands Advil or Motrin) are two very different products that work in different pathways within the body. Tylenol’s mechanism is still poorly understood, but one persisting theory is that it works by blocking the central nervous system’s production of prostaglandin, a substance that plays a key role in transmitting pain and causing fever. Ibuprofen or “advil”-type … Read more

Tylenol vs. Advil

Next into the First Aid kit should be a pain reliever/fever reducer…should you put in Advil* (meaning any brand of Ibuprofen) or Tylenol* (suggesting any brand of acetaminophen)?

Drum roll please…and the answer is BOTH.

Tylenol and Advil are two very different products that work in different pathways within the body. Although the exact mechanism is not fully understood, Tylenol works in the central nervous system to block production of prostaglandins, a substance that plays a key role in pain and fever. Advil-type products (known collectively as Non Steroid Anti Inflammatory Drugs, NSAIDs) work in the peripheral as well … Read more