Is Tylenol an NSAID?

In this article:

• What are the differences between Tylenol and NSAIDs?
• OTC pain relievers
• Pros and cons

In this article

• What are the differences between Tylenol and NSAIDs?
• OTC pain relievers
• Pros and cons

Over-the-counter (OTC) medication is often the first line of defense against headaches, joint discomfort, and other minor ailments. Tylenol (acetaminophen) and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are OTC medicines used to treat mild-to-moderate aches and pains. 

NSAIDs are not only designed to lessen or eliminate the feeling of pain, but they also reduce inflammation as well. Many individuals are unclear whether or not Tylenol, the brand name for acetaminophen, is an NSAID. Tylenol is an analgesic (pain reliever), but it does not have anti-inflammatory properties, so Tylenol is not an NSAID. 

Learn more about the differences between Tylenol and NSAIDs, their side effects, and which medication is better for the different types of pain you may experience. 

What are the differences between Tylenol and NSAIDs?

Acetaminophen blocks the brain from sending signals of pain to affected areas of the body. It is also a fever reducer. In addition to being the active ingredient in Tylenol, acetaminophen is found in numerous brand-name products, such as NyQuil Cold and Flu, DayQuil, Alka-Seltzer Plus, and Excedrin. 

While Tylenol may be useful for mild-to-moderate pain relief associated with headaches, menstrual cramps, toothaches, and so forth, an NSAID, like ibuprofen, may be more suitable if there is inflammation or swelling associated with the pain. Some arthritis pain, joint pain, muscle aches, back pain, and sprains may benefit from the anti-inflammatory properties of an NSAID. 

How to choose the right over-the-counter pain reliever

When choosing an OTC pain reliever, it is helpful to know the generic name of the medicine and if it is an NSAID. There are several factors that will help you determine which pain reliever is the best choice for you. These include:

• Your doctor’s medical advice or a self-assessment of your specific ailment
• Your age, weight, medical condition, kidney function, and liver function
• If you are taking other medications and whether they could cause a drug-drug interaction
• The medication’s possible side effects

The chart below outlines the various brand-name OTC drugs, their generic names, whether or not they are NSAIDs, and their general dosage recommendations for adults. Many of these medications are available as alternative and extra-strength doses. Prescription drugs, like Tylenol #3, are available to manage severe and chronic pain.

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Most of the OTC drugs above should not be taken on an empty stomach. It’s recommended that you drink a full glass of water with each dose. Furthermore, most of these OTC drugs warn against using any OTC pain medicine for more than 10 consecutive days. Be sure to read the medication guide as dosage instructions may vary. 

Pros and cons of acetaminophen versus NSAIDs

You should always weigh the health benefits and risks associated with each type of drug before taking it. Consider the other medications you’re currently taking and the health conditions you’ve been diagnosed with. The side effects and drug-drug interactions are important factors in determining which is better: acetaminophen or NSAIDs. 

For example, if you are prone to stomach ulcers, your doctor or pharmacist may recommend acetaminophen instead of ibuprofen. If you are at risk of a heart attack, taking aspirin could be the right choice for you. However, if you’re already taking a blood thinner, then taking aspirin could be dangerous. Another drug, Anacin, contains caffeine, which may or may not be helpful to one’s condition.

Compare the pros and cons of these types of pain relievers below and ask a healthcare professional for advice if you’re unsure which one is best for you.

Advantages of acetaminophen

Acetaminophen is less likely than an NSAID to cause stomach upset. Individuals with sensitive stomachs, stomach ulcers, or acid reflux may benefit from taking acetaminophen instead of an NSAID.

Additionally, acetaminophen does not cause antiplatelet effects, so it could be a safer option than aspirin for people with bleeding disorders or those already taking blood thinners or antiplatelet medications.

Side effects of acetaminophen

Some individuals reported side effects of acetaminophen. These include: 

• Sweating more than usual
• Nausea 
• Bruising
• Faint or lightheadedness 
• Trouble urinating
• Dark stool
• Jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes)

Ask your healthcare provider if you can take acetaminophen when pregnant or breastfeeding because some of the drug may be passed to the baby.

You should not take Tylenol if you have liver disease or cirrhosis of the liver because acetaminophen can further damage your liver and affect your ability to urinate properly. Additionally, combining alcohol with acetaminophen can cause liver damage or failure.

Too much acetaminophen can cause Tylenol poisoning. Some side effects include vomiting, loss of appetite, extreme fatigue, and stomach pain. In severe cases, it can cause liver failure and death. Be careful when mixing medicine that contains acetaminophen, such as Tylenol, DayQuil, NyQuil, Alka-Seltzer, and Excedrin.

Allergic reactions to acetaminophen can occur. If you have difficulty breathing or develop hives or blisters, stop taking the medication and seek medical attention right away.

Advantages of NSAIDs

A nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug has the added benefit of reducing inflammation. If you have swelling, an NSAID may be more appropriate to treat your ailment.

NSAIDs can also be safer, less addictive alternatives to prescription-strength painkillers, like OxyContin, Percocet, and Vicodin. Your healthcare provider may recommend NSAIDs for recovery after a minor injury or during physical therapy. Naproxen was even ranked as the most effective treatment for knee osteoarthritis for improving both pain and function by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. And, depending on your health condition, a doctor may recommend low-dose aspirin therapy to prevent blood clots and decrease your risk of a heart attack and stroke.

However, long-term use of NSAIDs are not often recommended because they can cause serious side effects, which you can learn more about below.

Side effects of NSAIDs

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can cause side effects, including:

• Lightheadedness and dizziness
• Gas and bloating
• Nausea
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Stomach pain and heartburn

Stomach pain and heartburn associated with NSAIDs like ibuprofen tend to be more severe than when using Tylenol. Ulcers may even occur. An increased risk for gastrointestinal bleeding is also a potential side effect of NSAIDs, especially when using aspirin.

Those with kidney disease or liver disease should avoid using NSAIDs. Additionally, combining alcohol with NSAIDs can increase your risk of gastrointestinal bleeding.

NSAIDs may also raise one’s blood pressure. Talk to your doctor before taking OTC NSAIDs if you have high blood pressure or if you are at risk for or have had a heart attack or stroke. Aspirin is the only NSAID that lowers the risk of heart attack, stroke, and blood clots.

NSAIDs may cause adverse effects during pregnancy, such as an increased risk of birth defects. There are many risks involved when taking medicine during pregnancy, so be sure to consult your healthcare provider before taking pain medicine while pregnant.

You may be experiencing an allergic reaction to an NSAID if you have difficulty breathing, wheezing, tightness of the chest, or a skin rash. Immediately stop taking the drug and seek professional medical assistance if this occurs.