Tylenol is short acting with a relatively quick onset of action. Tylenol and Advil both work for a similar length of time include Genpril, Midol IB, Motrin IB, and Proprinal. Other brands of ibuprofen available in the U.S. Ibuprofen belongs to a group of medicines called NSAIDs. This makes it effective at relieving pain and reducing inflammation, but there is a risk of stomach-related side effects.

It is considered a nonselective NSAID because it blocks both COX-2 enzymes (involved in pain signaling and inflammation) and COX-1 enzymes (associated with a protective effect on stomach lining). Ibuprofen (Advil) also blocks COX enzymes, but to a different extent than acetaminophen. Ibuprofen is a NSAID and relieves pain and fever and also reduces inflammation. Acetaminophen may be called paracetamol in some countries.Īdvil is a brand of ibuprofen. There are many different brands of acetaminophen in the U.S., examples include Aceta, Apra, and Mapap. Experts aren't sure exactly how acetaminophen (Tylenol) works but believe it affects COX enzymes in the brain, reducing the formation of prostaglandins (prostaglandins are substances released during injury that cause pain and inflammation). Acetaminophen relieves pain and also reduces fever. Either Tylenol or Advil may be used for headaches, fever and minor aches and pains, but Advil is more effective for strains or sprains.Any medication used for pain relief should be taken at the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible time. Tylenol appears to have more adverse effects than traditionally thought, and this risk increases with higher dosages.

This risk is low if no more than 1200mg of Advil is taken per day. Advil is a NSAID so is not suitable for everybody and can cause GI adverse effects, cardiovascular adverse effects, and kidney toxicity.

Some research suggests NSAIDs such as Advil are more effective than Tylenol at relieving pain.

Tylenol (acetaminophen) is only effective at relieving pain and fever, but Advil (ibuprofen) relieves inflammation in addition to pain and fever.

Advil capsules