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Pediatrics at HSS
Ever wonder which over-the-counter medicine to give a child experiencing muscle aches or pain from a mild injury? Tylenol, Advil, and Aleve are common pain relievers on drugstore shelves. While all three medications can help alleviate a child's discomfort, the active ingredient in each drug is different. In Tylenol, it's acetaminophen; in Advil and Motrin, it's ibuprofen; and in Aleve, it is naproxen. Dr. Shevaun Doyle, a pediatric orthopedic surgeon at HSS, provides some general information and guidelines about acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and naproxen: Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
Ibuprofen (Advil and Motrin)
Naproxen (Aleve)
Proper Dosage is KeyNo 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. Kitchen spoons should never be used since they're not uniform in size. A study commissioned by the National Institutes of Health found that many parents had trouble measuring the proper dose and inadvertently gave their children too much medicine. The research supports the use of oral syringes rather than dosing cups, especially when small amounts of medication are given. "Some parents mistakenly believe that because a medicine is sold over the counter, it's safer. That's not the case. An overdose can be very serious," Dr. Doyle said. In addition, she notes that the active ingredients in Tylenol and Advil are also found in other medications, such as cough and cold medicines. Parents are advised to read the list of ingredients in all medications a child is receiving to prevent double dosing. Dr. Doyle also recommends that parents set up a schedule. "It's a good idea to write down the time a medication is given so it's easier to keep track of how much a child is receiving," she says. "If a parent has any questions about which over-the-counter medication to use or the proper dose, it's best to call the child's doctor." Reviewed and updated May 9, 2022 More ArticlesYou may have both in your home, but do you really know which painkiller is the best for any given ailment or health issue?You probably have both in your medication cabinet, but do you really know which painkiller is the best for any given ailment? Acetaminophen (Tylenol®) and ibuprofen (Advil® or Motrin®) are often looked at as interchangeable. While that may hold true under certain circumstances, it’s good to know their strengths and weaknesses. Ibuprofen or acetaminophen for headaches.Acetaminophen has developed a reputation for being the better of the two for headaches. In the case that you don’t have any, ibuprofen can be a good substitute. Ibuprofen or acetaminophen for babies and pregnancy.The American Academy of Pediatrics does not recommend ibuprofen for infants six months and younger. Women who are pregnant should generally avoid ibuprofen as well. Acetaminophen is fine for infants younger than six months of age and pregnant women. Ibuprofen or acetaminophen for fevers.Both medications can be used to fight fevers. Some studies favor ibuprofen, but for many, it really comes downs to preference and whether you feel the side effects from either medication. Ibuprofen or acetaminophen for swelling.Ibuprofen is the clear winner here because it is an anti-inflammatory. So, if you sprain an ankle or experience swelling, take ibuprofen. Ibuprofen or acetaminophen for general body aches.Once again, ibuprofen may have a slight edge because it reduces inflammation and may help with these conditions:
And if you don’t have ibuprofen, acetaminophen can still help reduce pain for these same ailments. If you’re fighting the common cold, be sure to check labels on other medication before taking more acetaminophen as many contain it already. Possible side effects of ibuprofen:
Possible side effects of acetaminophen:
With both medications, allergic reactions are possible. Stop use immediately and contact a doctor if you suspect a reaction. Because the pain killers act differently in your body, you can alternate the use of them every few hours (be sure not to exceed daily limits on labels). Understanding the difference between ibuprofen and acetaminophen can help you make better decisions about self-care. Related ArticlesWhat is best medicine for swelling?Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or naproxen may help ease swelling and pain. Acetaminophen might also fight pain.
Does acetaminophen reduce swelling?Tylenol (acetaminophen) is not an anti-inflammatory or NSAID. It relieves minor aches and pains, but doesn't reduce swelling or inflammation. Compared to NSAIDs, Tylenol is less likely to increase blood pressure or cause stomach bleeding. But it can cause liver damage.
Which type of painkiller will also reduce swelling?Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, also known as NSAIDs are medicines that are used to relieve pain, and reduce swelling (inflammation). Examples include aspirin, naproxen, ibuprofen, diclofenac, and COX-2 inhibitors such as celecoxib and meloxicam.
Is ibuprofen good for reducing swelling?Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to treat mild to moderate pain, and helps to relieve symptoms of arthritis (osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or juvenile arthritis), such as inflammation, swelling, stiffness, and joint pain.
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What is better to reduce swelling ibuprofen or acetaminophen
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