{"id":629827,"date":"2024-09-18T12:11:57","date_gmt":"2024-09-18T16:11:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=629827"},"modified":"2025-08-06T08:29:46","modified_gmt":"2025-08-06T12:29:46","slug":"tylenol-or-ibuprofen-for-cramps","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/tylenol-or-ibuprofen-for-cramps\/","title":{"rendered":"Is Tylenol or ibuprofen better for cramps?"},"content":{"rendered":"

For many women, periods come with unwanted menstrual cramping. The moderate to severe pain associated with menstruation, called dysmenorrhea, is a common occurrence, with <\/span>over 80% of women<\/span> reporting that they\u2019ve experienced period pain.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

When a cramp strikes, which over-the-counter (OTC) pain killer is the best option for beating the aches and pains? We\u2019ve talked to the medical experts to find out once and for all: Is Tylenol or ibuprofen better for cramps?<\/span><\/p>\n

Is Tylenol or ibuprofen better for cramps?<\/span><\/h2>\n

First, it\u2019s important to understand the difference between <\/span>Tylenol<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>ibuprofen<\/span><\/a>. Acetaminophen, sold under the brand name Tylenol, is an <\/span>analgesic<\/span><\/a> that provides pain relief and reduces fevers. Ibuprofen, which can be sold under the brand names <\/span>Advil<\/span><\/a> or Motrin, is a <\/span>nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug<\/span><\/a> (NSAID) that helps <\/span>reduce inflammation<\/span><\/a>, pain, and <\/span>fever<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

NSAIDs also inhibit the production of prostaglandins. \u201cProstaglandins are hormone-like substances that lead to uterine contractions, which cause cramps,\u201d explains <\/span>Dr. Ami Patel<\/span><\/a>, a Board Certified Pharmacotherapy Specialist (BCPS) and licensed clinical pharmacist specializing in women\u2019s hormone health. \u201cIbuprofen works directly on this function to relieve cramps and the associated pain. Although both acetaminophen and ibuprofen can help relieve pain, ibuprofen works directly to ease cramps.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

That said, Tylenol will not prevent the production of prostaglandins, which are the culprits behind painful menstrual cramps. While Tylenol or generic acetaminophen can reduce cramps, when given the choice, ibuprofen is the clear winner.<\/span><\/p>\n

RELATED: <\/b>How long does it take ibuprofen to work?<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

How to choose the best period cramp medication for you<\/span><\/h2>\n

Despite ibuprofen being the better of the two OTC painkiller choices for period cramps, some individuals should not take it.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPeople with kidney issues and peptic ulcers should avoid ibuprofen,\u201d explains Dr. Madhu Bagaria, Fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (FACOG) and Endometriosis Excision Specialist at <\/span>Pelvic Rehabilitation Medicine<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ibuprofen can be hard on the gastrointestinal system, and those who frequently <\/span>drink alcohol<\/span><\/a> will be at a higher risk of side effects like stomach ulcers and <\/span>stomach bleeding<\/span><\/a>. However, if you can only find relief from cramping with ibuprofen, speak with your healthcare providers about prescription NSAIDs that can be gentler on the stomach, such as <\/span>meloxicam<\/span><\/a> or <\/span>celecoxib<\/span><\/a>. There are also medications your doctor can prescribe that can line the stomach and protect it better when taking ibuprofen.<\/span><\/p>\n

For those who prefer acetaminophen, Dr. Bagaria also mentions that Tylenol is not recommended for those with liver disorders.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Alternative OTC pain relievers that can help relieve period pain are <\/span>Aleve<\/span><\/a> (naproxen sodium), aspirin, or a combination medication, like Excedrin, which combines <\/span>aspirin<\/span><\/a> and acetaminophen (and sometimes <\/span>caffeine<\/span><\/a>).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

RELATED: Tylenol dosage<\/a> | Ibuprofen dosage<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Home remedies for period cramps<\/span><\/h2>\n

There are several home remedies that you can also try for menstrual cramp relief. Here are some ideas to try next time you have period cramps:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n