What is the Difference between Ibuprofen and Tylenol (Acetaminophen)

Both Ibuprofen and Acetaminophen used for pain control. And they're both over the counter.

So, What is the main difference between Tylenol (Also known as Acetaminophen) and Ibuprofen?

The difference is the site of action.

Ibuprofen

Ibuprofen was discovered in the 1960s and in 1983 was made available over the counter. Ibuprofen is called as Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory drugs so what they do is they act in the certain pathways of our pain.

When we have pain there's different mechanisms in the body and one of them is production of prostaglandins which is a substance that transmit the pain signals.

Ibuprofen belongs to that group and what it does is inhibits the enzyme that prevents the formation or interrupts the formation of prostaglandin. So that's how Ibuprofen works. 

Conclusion:- 

Ibuprofen can be used for : Fever, Pain, Inflammation

Acetaminophen (Tylenol)

Acetaminophen was first discovered in the late 1800s and really didn’t reach the market until 1955 when it was marketed as Tylenol.

Acetaminophen has been around for decades but it's still the exact mechanism is still kind of a mystery. 

One of the things that all know is that it can affect how we perceive pain. So it acts in the region in our brain called hypothalamus and what it does is it tricks the brain to reset the temperature.

So if you're having fever, you take Tylenol, it tricks the brain to tell you hey. Your temperature's too high, let's lower it down and that's how it affects it.

It can go through the same pathway as ibuprofen to a certain extent but not like ibuprofen where we can use it for anti-inflammatory. Can treat for fever, can treat for pain. Tylenol good for fever, good for pain. Not good for inflammation. 

Conclusion:-

Acetaminophen or Tylenol can be used for Fever, Pain but not for Inflammation