Property
Tylenol
Advil / Motrin
Aleve
Drug class
Analgesic / Antipyretic
NSAID
NSAID (long-acting)
Onset
30–60 min
20–30 min
30–60 min
Duration
4–6 hr
4–6 hr
8–12 hr
Max daily (adult)
3,000 mg (OTC)
1,200 mg (OTC)
660 mg (OTC)
Reduces inflammation
No
Yes
Yes
Pediatric use
Yes
Yes
No
Pregnancy
Generally accepted
Avoid 3rd trimester
Avoid 3rd trimester
Stomach
Gentle
Can irritate
Higher GI risk
Kidney
Generally safe
Caution
Caution
Liver
High risk if exceeded
Generally safe
Generally safe
Bleeding risk
No effect
Increases risk
Increases risk
when to choose Tylenol
Headache, fever, mild pain. First-line in pregnancy and for those who can't take NSAIDs.
Avoid if: Heavy alcohol use; existing liver disease; combining with other acetaminophen products.
when to choose Advil / Motrin
Inflammation, menstrual cramps, dental and muscular pain, fever.
Avoid if: Ulcers, kidney disease, late pregnancy, blood thinners, recent heart surgery.
when to choose Aleve
Arthritis, persistent muscular pain, menstrual pain — fewer doses per day.
Avoid if: Ulcers, kidney disease, late pregnancy, heart failure.