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Aspirin vs. Tylenol (acetaminophen): What's the difference?
What is Aspirin? What is Tylenol (acetaminophen)?Aspirin is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to treat fever, pain, and inflammation in the body. Aspirin is also used prevent blood clots (as an antithrombotic). Other NSAIDs include ibuprofen (Motrin), indomethacin (Indocin), and nabumetone (Relafen). NSAIDs work to reduce levels of prostaglandins, chemicals that are released when inflammation is present that cause pain and fever. NSAIDs block a certain enzyme that makes prostaglandins (cyclooxygenase), resulting lower concentrations of prostaglandins and reducing inflammation, pain, and fever. Inhibition of prostaglandins also decreases the function of platelets and the blood’s clotting ability. Because aspirin inhibits the function of platelets for prolonged periods of time, it is also used to lower the risk of another stroke or heart attack in people who have had a prior stroke or heart attack. Tylenol (acetaminophen) is an analgesic (pain reliever) and antipyretic (fever reducer). The exact mechanism of action of acetaminophen is unknown. It may reduce the production of prostaglandins, which are chemicals that cause inflammation and swelling. Acetaminophen relieves pain by elevating the pain threshold, that is, by requiring a greater amount of pain to develop before a person feels it. It reduces fever through its action on the heat-regulating center of the brain. Specifically, it tells the center to lower the body's temperature when the temperature is elevated. SLIDESHOWRheumatoid Arthritis Exercises: Joint-Friendly Workouts See SlideshowWhat are the side effects of aspirin and Tylenol?AspirinMost patients benefit from aspirin and other NSAIDs with few side effects. However, serious side effects can occur and generally tend to be dose-related. Therefore, it is advisable to use the lowest effective dose to minimize side effects. The most common side effects of aspirin involve the gastrointestinal system and ringing in the ears. Gastrointestinal side effects are
Sometimes, ulceration and bleeding can occur without any abdominal pain. Black tarry stools, weakness, and dizziness upon standing may be the only signs of internal bleeding. Ringing in the ears
Other side effects include:
Other side effects and adverse reactions
TylenolWhen used appropriately, side effects with acetaminophen are not common. The most common side effects are rash, nausea, and headache. Other important side effects include:
Chronic alcohol use may also increase the risk of stomach bleeding. The most serious side effect is liver damage due to large doses, chronic use or concomitant use with alcohol or other drugs that also damage the liver. Other serious side effects that have been reported include bleeding in the intestines and stomach, angioedema, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, and kidney damage. A reduction in the number of white blood cells has also been reported. Health NewsWhat is the dosage of aspirin vs. Tylenol?AspirinAspirin should be taken with food. Doses range from 50 mg to 6000 mg daily depending on the use.
Tylenol
QUESTIONMedically speaking, the term "myalgia" refers to what type of pain? See AnswerWhat drugs interact with aspirin and Tylenol?AspirinAspirin is associated with several suspected or probable interactions that affect the action of other drugs. The following examples are the most common of the suspected interactions. NSAIDs may increase the blood levels of lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid) by reducing the excretion of lithium by the kidneys. Increased levels of lithium may lead to lithium toxicity. Aspirin may reduce the blood pressure lowering effects of blood pressure medications. This may occur because prostaglandins have a role in the regulation of blood pressure. When aspirin is used in combination with methotrexate (Rheumatrex, Trexall) or aminoglycoside antibiotics (for example, gentamicin) the blood levels of the methotrexate or aminoglycoside may increase, presumably because their elimination from the body is reduced. This may lead to more methotrexate or aminoglycoside-related side effects. Individuals taking oral blood thinners or anticoagulants, for example, warfarin, (Coumadin) should avoid aspirin because aspirin also thins the blood, and excessive blood thinning may lead to serious bleeding. TylenolAcetaminophen is metabolized (eliminated by conversion to other chemicals) by the liver. Therefore drugs that increase the action of liver enzymes that metabolize acetaminophen, [for example, carbamazepine (Tegretol), isoniazid, rifampin (Rifamate, Rifadin, and Rimactane),] reduce the levels of acetaminophen and may decrease the effectiveness action of acetaminophen. Doses of acetaminophen greater than the recommended doses are toxic to the liver and may result in severe liver damage. The potential for acetaminophen to harm the liver is increased when it is combined with alcohol or drugs that also harm the liver. Cholestyramine (Questran) reduces the effect of acetaminophen by decreasing its absorption into the body from the intestine. Therefore, acetaminophen should be administered 3 to 4 hours after cholestyramine or one hour before cholestyramine . Acetaminophen doses greater than 2275 mg per day may increase the blood thinning effect of warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven) by an unknown mechanism. Therefore, prolonged administration or large doses of acetaminophen should be avoided during warfarin therapy. Subscribe to MedicineNet's General Health NewsletterBy clicking Submit, I agree to the MedicineNet's Terms & Conditions & Privacy Policy and understand that I may opt out of MedicineNet's subscriptions at any time. Are aspirin and Tylenol safe to use while pregnant and breastfeeding?AspirinAspirin is generally avoided during pregnancy because it may adversely effect the fetus. However, low aspirin doses have been safely used for the prevention of complications of pregnancy. Aspirin is excreted into breast milk and may cause adverse effects in the infant. TylenolAcetaminophen is excreted in breast milk in small quantities. However, acetaminophen use by the nursing mother appears to be safe FromSummaryAspirin and Tylenol (acetaminophen) are used to treat fever, and pain in the body. Aspirin is also used to prevent blood clots (antithrombotic). Aspirin and Tylenol belong to different drug classes. Aspirin is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) and Tylenol is an analgesic (pain reliever) and antipyretic (fever reducer). Multimedia: Slideshows, Images & QuizzesRelated Disease Conditions
Treatment & DiagnosisMedications & SupplementsPrevention & WellnessReport Problems to the Food and Drug AdministrationYou are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088. References FDA Prescribing Information Are aspirin and acetaminophen the same?Although both drugs can help fight inflammation, they belong to different drug classes. Acetaminophen is an antipyretic (fever reducer) and analgesic (pain reliever) while aspirin is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).
Is aspirin better than acetaminophen?Aspirin is safer than acetaminophen, he said, though to be used as a pain reliever it requires much higher doses — which can have side effects like stomach upset. Aspirin also interferes with blood coagulation for days after taking it.
Is acetaminophen also known as aspirin?Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is known as a non-aspirin pain reliever. It is NOT an NSAID, which is described below. Acetaminophen relieves fever and headaches, and other common aches and pains. It does not relieve inflammation.
Can I take aspirin and acetaminophen together?If you need additional pain relief, you can combine aspirin, naproxen, or ibuprofen with acetaminophen. However, do not take aspirin, naproxen, or ibuprofen within 8-12 hours of each other.
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